GSM Willow Bridge Estate 2022

Country
Australia
Region
Geographe region
Producer
Willow Bridge Estate
Grape(s)
Type
Red
Style
Rich
Oaked Style
Oaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Dry
Alcohol Content
13.5%
Closure Style
Screw cap
Organic/Biodynamic
No
Sustainable
Yes-sustainable practices
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No

Region

The Geographe region is now emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting new wine regions, the region shares several similarities of its terroir with Margaret River but has a slightly hotter climate, leading to typically more powerful, fruit driven styles. Geographe has a long and colourful history of grape growing. It’s an acclaimed wine appellation that was granted the status in 1999. Still young, the appellation has become more attractive for new winemakers since the 2000s. The region is named after Geographe Bay. The bay was initially discovered by French explorer Baudin in 1801, who first explored it with his two ships, the Geographe and the Naturaliste.

Producer

Willow Bridge Estate is family owned and operated by Jeff and Vicki Dewar, who bought the picturesque 180-hectare hillside property in 1996 after an exhaustive search of the state for the ideal vineyard site from which to realise their shared vision of producing world class wines which are both opulent and accessible. Through 1997-1998 they planted their first vines in 60ha on the `Marri` soils of the Ferguson Valley which typically host the eucalyptus trees, these are composed of granites, red gravels, and white clay loams, the natural forest groves of these eucalyptus trees have been retained to increase biodiversity throughout the estate. The vineyards are located 25km from the coast and are influenced by the Indian ocean breezes at an elevation of 230-280 meters. 27 years later these vineyards are all run sustainably with solar panels powering the estate and all wastewaters being reused.
Tasting Notes
The Grenache and Shiraz for this wine come from the 1998 plantings on the hillside of the Ferguson Valley. The Mataro was planted in 2015. These grapes were all barrel fermented separately in older French oak and later blended. This is a generous wine with lifted fresh fruit and a fleshy, smooth palate. The body is well structured with a rich strawberry flavour that lingers on the finish.
Food
Perfect for summer bbq.