Garry Gossati’s entry into the wine business was no doubt influenced by his great grandfather’s position as the boss (capo) of a wine cooperative in Valtellina, a region in Italy’s far north abutting the Swiss border.
Having started Arlewood in Wilyabrup in 1988, Garry seized the opportunity in 2008 to purchase and restore an established but run-down vineyard located just south of Witchcliffe in Forest Grove.
It was close planted in 1999 by Xanadu’s then winemaker Jurg Muggli. Garry’s restoration was hands on. His two sons, Jordan and Adrian, are now working the small vineyard of 6.08ha. Cath Oates is the current winemaker.
In 2017, James Halliday nominated Arlewood as the Dark Horse Winery of the Year and in 2020 Gourmet Traveller Wine heralded it as the Best Small Cellar Door. With Witchcliffe being located at the southern part of Margaret River region, it has the cooling influence of the southerlies, resulting in wines with appealing acidity and crispness, the whites especially.
The Wines
2021 Arlewood Villagio
A blend of 85% Semillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Chardonnay. Fresh attractive flavours of passionfruit and citrus with a touch of mown grass. Crisp and very lively with a long and fruity finish. The preponderance of Semillon makes it a winner. 12% alcohol – $28
2020 Arlewood Cabernet Merlot
A wine comprising 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Stainless-steel fermented and 20% new oak maturation for 24 months Ripe plums and violets with a touch of spice. Soft supple tannins and a clean finish. Here the Merlot expands and softens the Cabernet Sauvignon making for early drinkability 13.5% alcohol – $30
2018 Arlewood Cabernet Sauvignon
From the outstanding 2018 vintage. Crushed/destem to tank, fermented on skins for 3-4 weeks with regular pump over and 24 months’ oak maturation (30% new). Berries and leafy earthy olive aromas abound. Full and supple palate showing elegance finesse with a long lingering finish. It’s a classic Margaret River Cabernet and a wine to savour. 14% alcohol – $40
Reviewer’s Pick
2021 Arlewood Chardonnay
Lovely white peach and grapefruit mingled with a whiff of toasty oak and a hint of struck match. This may not have quite the voluminous fruit of some its more northerly neighbours but more than makes up for it with a deliciously cool crispy palate structure that shows balance and finesse. Finishes long. Very good wine indeed! 13% alcohol – $40
2017 La Bratta Rosso
50% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon with open fermentation and 24 months in 40% new oak. The wine is named after Garry’s mother’s birth village in Valtellina and inspired by his Italian viticultural heritage. Powerful, red fruits, allspice with dried herbs and violets on the bouquet. A full and generous mouth filling palate structure. Ample tannins and a good long finish. Nice to see a good example of Cabernet Franc. 14.5% alcohol – $50.
Reader special
Arlewood is offering a 15% discount for Medical Forum readers on its website www.arlewood.com.au
The code is MED22
Win…
For your chance to win a dozen bottles of Arlewood wine,
visit our competitions page to enter.