This tongue-in-cheek name coined by founder surgeon Philip Childs in 2000 hints at the passion behind people’s drive to make wine in this beautiful part of the world.
The winery, located on Harman’s Mill Road, is now in the hands of new owners Matt and Clair Holden who have maintained and improved on the overall quality of the wines. Grapes are sourced from five longstanding contracted growers in the Margaret River appellation ensuring consistency and stability.
Current winemaker is Kate Morgan whose expertise and experience is widely acknowledged in the wine industry. The five wines tasted all impressed with their distinctive varietal characters and overall deliciousness, so typical of the Margaret River region.
There was no hardness or harshness anywhere to be seen. Thankfully, alcohol levels have been kept to modest levels.
The Wines
2021 Knee Deep Sauvignon Blanc
Lovely and plentiful aromas of lychee, citrus and grassy gooseberries. This is a delicious and refreshing drink. I am an unashamed fan of young wines and while it will keep, my preference is to enjoy the attractive note that it has to offer right now. 11.5% alcohol, $24.99.
2021 Knee Deep Pinot Grigio
With its faint coppery tinge, this has real mouthfeel thanks to a touch of oak fermentation of the skins. There is a pleasing texture underlying the citrussy freshness. A genuine alternative to chardonnay as a food wine. Like the previous wine, very enjoyable right now. Alcohol 13%, $24.99.
2020 Knee Deep Birdhouse Chardonnay
This has lifted aromas of peach and grapefruit citrus with a background of oak ferment. Flavourful and crisp. At a modest 11.5% alcohol it is satisfyingly restrained and a joy to drink now, $39.
2020 Knee Deep Birdhouse Shiraz
This soft attractive wine avoids the touch of hardness that I often see in Margaret River Shiraz. It has a lovely plumminess that is gently balanced by a background of fine French oak. Savoury spice is there aplenty. Overall, a very satisfying and elegant shiraz which finishes long on the palate. 14% alcohol, $39.
Reviewer’s Pick
2019 Knee Deep Third Rule Cabernet Sauvignon
A flagship wine coming from a cool vintage in Margaret River. This has all the hallmarks of what is so distinctive about Cabernet from this area. Vibrant fruitiness of cassis and plums, a lick of olive and a fine tannin structure that gives freshness and backbone to the overall finish. Beautifully handled and a pleasure to drink now and in the future. 13.5% alcohol, $59.
Win…
For your chance to win a dozen bottles of Knee Deep wine,
visit our competitions page to enter.