After 20 years, Fermoy Estate could still be considered a newcomer to the Margaret River wine scene. The first vines were planted in 1985 with Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon, with smaller parcels of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Malbec. Further expansion was carried out in 1995 and more recently some fruit has been sourced from the Geographe region including…
I recently visited Fermoy Estate in Margaret River for an evening function and the food, wine and venue were fantastic. It was a wonderful evening starting with pre-dinner bocce and fine wines blurring into after-dinner speeches followed by more fine wines. To then receive some Fermoy Estate wines for tasting seems to be excellent karma.
After 20 years, Fermoy Estate could still be considered a newcomer to the Margaret River wine scene. The first vines were planted in 1985 with Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon, with smaller parcels of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Malbec. Further expansion was carried out in 1995 and more recently some fruit has been sourced from the Geographe region including Chardonnay and Shiraz. The estate vineyard is managed using organic principles with handpicking, minimal mechanical input and avoidance of pesticides.
Fermoy Estate has produced a world-renowned Semillon for many years and has just released the 2009 vintage. A complex wine with some barrel fermentation in French oak and then back blending into stainless steel, resulting in more palate complexity. Crisp, zingy acid with some limey flavours. Just hints of oak but a very clean wine and well suited to classic seafood combinations.
The 2009 Margaret River Chardonnay is the latest release and is a young wine with terrific potential. Aromas of citrus and melon with some new oak hints all blend well. The palate is of good length with limey fruit and a clean acid finish. It is a well-balanced, young Chardonnay with excellent ageing potential; a good buy for the cellar.
Many of the Fermoy Estate red wines have impressed the international judges and the two reds for tasting are in that stable. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet with deep colours and the nose is filled with ripe berries, cedary oak and mocha. The young fruit is balanced with fine, ripe tannins from the fruit and French oak. Lingering flavours of berries and herbs make this young wine ready for consumption or cellaring.
For me, the 2009 Merlot is a cracker. Varietal Merlots from Margaret River are a rare bird and this wine is one of the best I have tasted. I was immediately taken with the cigar-box nose and aromas of plums and violets wafting out of the glass. Ripe fruit flavours blend with balanced tannins to give a long enjoyable palate. My favourite of this tasting and strongly recommended.
The 2009 Nebbiolo is a recent addition to the Fermoy Estate portfolio and at first glance the Margaret River region would seem well suited to some of these European varieties. Deep crimson colours fill the glass and there are earthy aromas with berries and plums. The use of some new oak has added soft, gentle tannins with a good balance of fruit. A lighter bodied red but still a great example of an Australian Nebbiolo.
I certainly enjoyed these wines and look forward to my next visit to try some of the newer releases, including the Geographe Shiraz.
See http://www.fermoy.com.au/ for more information.