By Craig Drummond
Located at Caversham in the Swan Valley, this historic vineyard was purchased by the Erceg family in 2008 with no time wasted before the winery was established and their first vintage in 2010.
It was delivered by winemaker Ryan Sudano who has had notable success with their Mandoon Estate wines in Australian wine shows.
The name Mandoon is Noongar for “place of many trees” and was chosen to pay respect to the original custodians of the land.
Their commitment to saving and preserving old vines is impressive. We often underestimate our Swan Valley in comparison to wines from more southern regions, but this site having vines dating back to 1895 has been revitalised and is creating wonderful wines that the Valley does so well – Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, Grenache and Shiraz.
Mandoon Estate is giving Medical Forum readers $50 off their wines if you sign up to their wine club. The club gives you access to pre-release wines, 15% off cellar door purchases, restaurant rewards and a host of other benefits.
Use code: MEDICALFORUM for $50 off
The Wines
Mandoon 2024 ‘Wild Bunch’ Chenin Blanc, Swan Valley, RRP $34
From vines planted in 1972 this wine displays typical varietal tropical fruit aromas with complex oaky characters coming through. Flavours of green apple and Nashi pear. Slightly taut and austere in its youth, a reflection of Chenin’s acidity and structural integrity which will give it up to 20 years aging. A terrific wine which will uphold the valleys reputation for aged Chenin Blanc.
Mandoon 2023 Old Vine Grenache, WA, RRP $34
From old bush vines dry grown and low yielding, which gives great concentration of flavour. Great varietal definition here, a radiant beetroot red colour, fragrant, lightly perfumed with rose petal and spice. Leads on to a juicy redcurrant, confectioned palate, with an earthy background and a sweet fruited persistent finish. For me this wine is for current drinking.
Reviewers Pick
Mandoon 2024 Block 1985 Verdelho, Swan Valley RRP $34
A signature Swan Valley Verdelho and my favourite wine of this tasting. Appearance is deceptive, a light lemon almost water white, but certainly drinks like great wine. The fruity aromas leap from the glass with overt tropical pineapple and lime cordial, beautiful fruit salad with a tangy citrus after taste. A delightful wine, simple yet profound and another good wine to lay down in the cellar.
Mandoon 2022 Old Vine Shiraz, WA, RRP $34
Based on 1955 Swan Valley vines, this wine is a youthful crimson-purple colour with a spicy nose of blackcurrant and black pepper. Rich, round and supple flavours of black cherry and satsuma plum. Smooth tannins with a lingering palate. A complete wine with a 10–12-year future.
Mandoon 2016 Reserve Sparkling, Margaret River, RRP $42
As a Champagne tragic I am hard to please with other sparkling wines, but I must admit this wine is very good. Made in the traditional method with Chardonnay from their cooler climate Karridale vineyard. A fine, concentrated and persistent bead immediately suggests a wine of quality. Aromas are clean with vibrant citrus lemon and brioche, and palate is complex with green apple, lemon and biscuity characters.
Mandoon 2021 Reserve Chardonnay, Margaret River, RRP $59
An excellent Chardonnay that shows the generosity of Margaret River with the cool climate touch of the southerly Karridale sub-region. Intense aromas, nice integration of pristine fruit, stone fruits and cashew from oak. It is full-flavoured, textural and complex with notes of grapefruit and lemon and with an underlying minerality. Great current drinking with six to eight years ahead.
Mandoon 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, RRP $36
A big Cab with a long future. Spicy, blackberry and cinnamon on the nose, and a cigar box ‘Bordeaux type’ oaky aroma. Flavours big and long of blackcurrant, green capsicum and menthol. Tannins fine, dusty and gripping with a firm acid finish. Very youthful with a 15-20 year future.
Win Mandoon Estate wines on us. Simply head to our competitions page and submit your entry to win.
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