Alcohol percentage: 14% Area: Margaret River, a couple of hours south of Perth, is a moderate maritime climate and has gained a healthy reputation as producer of elegant Cabernet and Chardonnay, together with (often under-appreciated) Sauvignon-Semillon blends. This comes from the northern sections of Margaret River: Wilyabrup, Carbunup and Cowaramup. Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, matured for a year in French oak (no new oak). Producer: Bob Oatley made his name as founder and direct or Rosemount in the heyday of the Aussie wine boom. Having sold that empire he set up his own brand, focussing on small lots of relatively fine wine in all the key areas. It is now managed by his son Sandy and winemaker is the renowned Larry Cherubino. The Bottle Shop rating: Some of the elegance of Margaret River, at a very sensible price (the best know names are now prohibitively expensive).
