Cellar Profile
Voyager Estate, established in 1978, is one of the founding wine estates in Margaret River. Michael Wright – a farmer and regional pioneer – recognized that the idyllic microclimate, ancient geology and coastal influence of his site in the Stevens Valley, in the south of the region, had the potential to produce world-class wines. This small family-owned and independently-run business makes wine of place using low intervention methods to let the grapes speak for themselves. Sustainability is at the core of Voyager Estate, which is now under the stewardship of Michael's daughter, Alexandra Burt. All wines are single-estate, organically-grown and do justice to the land from which they came.
Region
The Margaret River wine region is located in southwest Western Australia, Surrounded by water on three sides, there is a strong maritime influence here, with warm, dry summers and heavy winter rainfall. The Mediterranean climate and consistent sea breezes produce elegant, high-quality wines. The region features over 200 wineries planted on ancient, gravelly soils.
Vineyard
Grapes for this wine are grown in the Estate's "Four Shiraz" vineyard. These four specific vineyard blocks are selected for their tough, shallow, rock-rich and gravelly soils, which naturally restrict the variety's inherent vigour to produce fruit with high concentration and elegance.
Winemaking
Grapes were de-stemmed but not crushed, to preserve the whole berries. They were fermented in a combination of open and static vessels at below 28˚C with twice daily gentle hand plunging or pump-overs. After pressing, the wine spent 11 months in French oak (30% new) and was then blended prior to bottling in July 2023.
Tasting Notes
Bright red with crimson and purple hues. An expressive nose of black cherry and boysenberry with hints of dried flowers, herbs and graphite. Juicy, ripe black/blue fruit flavours are balanced by savoury spices, a good streak of acidity and fine chalky tannins. Pairs well with roasted lamb or any dish with a savoury, earthy component.
Varieties
Shiraz (also named "Syrah" in Europe, South America and New Zealand) is Australia's well-known and most widely-planted variety. Hailing from the Southeastern region of France, it is grown in practically every wine region in Australia – a testament to its adaptable nature. Margaret River Shiraz is distinctively elegant, aromatic and savory – riper than what you'll typically find in Northern Rhône but far more refined and less jammy than its fuller-bodied South Australian counterparts.