Western Australia’s newest and smallest wine region, which in the late eighties consisted of a mere 25 hectares of vines, eight wineries; most producing less than a thousand cases of wine annually, was at that time called the Darling Ranges. Things changed in 1999 when the protected name of Perth Hills was officially registered as an Australian Geographical Indication.

This very attractive regions’ vineyards are established at between 150 and 400 metres above sea level. Consequently the area is cooler and wetter than the Swan Valley. The less than ideal red and brown duplex soils however means that drip irrigation is required to combat summer droughts, vine defoliation and stress. The Perth Hills Wine region stretches along the Darling Scarp from Chittering in the north to Serpentine in the south.

 

Anthony’s Selection
Woodlands 2007 Chardonnay
This Margaret River wine comes from the Watson’s family 10 hectare vineyard that was established in 1973. Showing youthful, pale hues, the nose is dominated, at present, by high quality spicy oak. The mid weight palate is quite complex and with air shows an interesting French style ‘struck match’ character. This very good wine should cellar well for 2-3 years and is a perfect match for seafood.High Silver Medal Standard

Fonty’s Pool 2005 Pinot Noir
A lovely Pemberton (WA) single vineyard wine that opens showing typical ‘pinot pale’ hues with some browns. After a good airing, a slightly funky nose of bore water and salt changed and revealed delicious sweet fruit balanced by crisp acids and a tannic (yet balanced), very long finish. A very good Pinot Noir probably at or near its peak thought it could surprise with a short rest in the cellar. High Silver Medal Standard