The approach to 3drops takes a scenic route west of Mt Barker along the Muir Highway heading towards Manjimup. Just before the West Cape Howe winery, a left turn onto St Werburgh’s Rd follows a picturesque drive through rolling hills studded with prosperous farmland and attractive bush. This is premium wine country where the continentality of the climate favours the production of quality wines capable of great delicacy of flavour.
The 3drops property was purchased 50 years ago with the original planting of 8ha of vines on Wragg Rd in 1999. This was expanded by a further 6.5ha in 2002. The 6ha Patterson’s vineyard on St Werburgh’s Rd was purchased in 2007. Its 40-year-old vines consistently yield high quality pinot noir, chardonnay and shiraz.
Interestingly there is also a strong focus on high quality olive oil, with owner John Bradbury in charge of its production. His wife Jo manages the wine business. Ray Williams is the viticulturalist. He has skilfully managed the vineyards for the past 24 years. Rob Diletti has been consistently and expertly making the wine since 2003.
All-in-all a very satisfying tasting. All wines are bursting in flavour showing lovely fruit and the deft touch of the winemaker. If forced to pick a favourite, I’ll go for the pinot. ‘Three drops’ by the way represents three very important liquids – rainwater, wine and olive oil.
The Wines
2023 3drops Riesling Great Southern
From the Wragg Rd vineyard. Spring flowers, with citrus and honeysuckle aromas Crisp and lively. Not in the least bit aggressive. Very good balance and length. A joy to drink even at such a young age. Can age for 10 years if you wish. (12% alcohol, $27)
2020 3drops Cabernet Great Southern
From the Wragg Rd vineyard, 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. Again, like the previous wines, pristine fruit aromas shine through. Blackcurrants, plums and a touch of tobacco. Fine-grained tannins interplay with fruit richness. This makes for a very approachable cabernet style. No doubt the cabernet franc component fills out and softens the wine adding complexity. (13.5% alcohol, $29)
2022 3drops Chardonnay Great Southern
From the Patterson vineyard. Straw coloured with volumes of peach and grapefruit mingling with nuttiness and vanillan. The cool climate gives a delicious freshness to the wine. Quite mouth-filling. Flavoursome and well balanced. Very approachable right now, but will easily age a for a few years. A complete package. (13% alcohol, $32)
2022 3drops Pinot Noir Great Southern
From the Patterson vineyard. Shimmering red translucent in colour. The nose is quite seductive. Redolent of cherries and spice aromas that carry through to a crisp expansive mouth-feel held together in a background of fine quality oak. Really delicious and it will age no doubt but very hard to resist right now. (13% alcohol, $38)
Win…
For your chance to win premium wines from 3drops,
visit our competitions page to enter.