In 1840, John Septimus Roe, Western Australia’s first Surveyor General was granted 4000 acres of riverbank land at West Swan. He named it Sandalford after a priory in his English home at Berkshire. The property became prosperous as an agrarian estate supporting crops, cattle, fruit and vegetables and vines for table grapes, sultanas, raisins, currants and wine grapes. Early varieties planted were Shiraz, Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon and Frontignac. Export markets were established by Roe’s grandson John Frederick Roe, who had taken a keen interest in the fertile soils of the Swan River.
The estate survived the vicissitudes of the Great Depression and two world wars and in 1970 made its second acquisition of prime viticultural land. Influenced by Dr John Gladstones’ treatise on the suitability of the Margaret River region for premium wine production, and winemaker Dorham Mann, the Roe family purchased 300ha at Wilyabrup making them one of the early pioneers of the Margaret River vineyards.
The next quantum change came in 1990 with the purchase of the estate by the Prendiville family headed by Peter and Debra Prendiville. The Prendivilles, who were experienced operators in tourism and hospitality, have taken Sandalford to the next level of quality wine production. Today, a comprehensive range of wine is produced –from the budget priced right up to the super premium Prendiville range. Senior winemaker Ross Pamment and vineyard manager Ben Maher head the production team.
2024 1840 Swan Valley Verdelho
From old Swan Valley vines and stainless steel fermented. No oak involved. Delightfully fresh, spring flowers and tropical fruit aromas. Full flavoured with a touch of ginger rounding out the finish. Perfect chilled on a summer’s day. (14% alcohol $33)
2024 1840 Swan Valley Grenache Rose
A lovely pale salmon colour. Fresh flowers and
summer berries. Crisp, mouth-filling savouriness. Refreshingly dry finish. No wood contact. Drink chilled. (12.5% alcohol $33)
2019 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
From 50-year-old Wilyabrup vines in a cool vintage. Cedary new oak. Soft cassis flavours and a hint of chocolate and olive. Fine grained tannins, some tautness leading to a full flavoured and long finish. This is classic Margaret River Bordeaux style cabernet that drinks well now at five years of age and will blossom further at 10 years. (14.5% alcohol $55)
2019 Estate Reserve Shiraz
Savoury spice and berries invoking memories of moist Christmas cake. Ripe and peppery with attractively integrated grape and French oak tannins. Generous depth of flavour from old Wilyabrup Shiraz vines. Drink now or keep for five more years. (15% alcohol $55)
Sandalera Rare Pedro Ximenez
This classic sherry variety thrives in the alluvial Swan Valley soil. The grapes are left to fully ripen and then fortified to 18 degrees alcohol. Ageing in cask for an average of 30 years results in a luscious mahogany coloured liqueur with nutty rancio sweetness, beautifully held in check by fine fortifying spirit. This is a classic wine style for which the Swan Valley is justly famous A fabulous sip at the end of a meal. Expensive maybe but 30 years of ageing is a rarity. (18% alcohol $130)
As good as the table wines were at the tasting the Sandalera Pedro Ximenez was a spectacular standout.
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