PASSEL ESTATE
Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Owners Wendy and Barry Stimpson originate from England and South Africa respectively. Over numerous visits to Margaret River they fell in love with the region’s pristine natural environment and its world class wines.
They made Margaret River their home in 2005, and in 2011 they found the picturesque property, with established vineyards and natural bushland areas, that now comprises Passel Estate. The couple now splits their time between Margaret River and Singapore.
The vineyard was first planted in 1994, comprising 1.5ha each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Additional plantings of Shiraz (1.1ha) and Chardonnay (2.6ha) were later established. The vineyard is gently sloping, with vines planted on original root stocks in ironstone based gravel loams. Rows are oriented north-south and a VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) trellis system is used throughout.
Highly awarded Winemaker, Bruce Dukes, applies the art and science of winemaking in equal measure when crafting the Passel Estate range. His approach to winemaking has been shaped by an impressive formal education, based in Agricultural Science and Viticulture & Enology, as well as decades of applied industry experience working with iconic producers in Napa Valley and Margaret River.
The philosophy behind Passel Estate wines is driven by an uncompromising commitment to quality. The wines are a unique expression of the special place that is Passel Estate, defined by their perfumed fruit character, structure and balance. Passel Estate wines are a rare discovery; volumes made are small, given the quality-driven low yields and single vineyard focus.
Light green in colour with mother of pearl flecks. A bouquet of freshly cut white pear, subtle brioche, shaved almonds and sea-spray. A fine and focused entry on the palate of natural acidity with flavours of grapefruit and white nectarine leads to a feather-light finish of crushed granite and freshly whipped cream, carried forth by an ultra-fine mousse. Drink now for freshness or be rewarded with cellaring.
Aromas of glazed red cherries, white and black pepper and cocoa to start, slowly revealing hints of rosewater, pomegranate and boysenberries. The palate boasts ultra-fine red fruit tannin, poised and resonating through textures of plum skin and soft acidity. The finish is firm yet fine, awash in cherry blossoms and kirsch.
Bracing aromas of red currants, blue berries and violets to start, further opening with time to reveal tones of cassis and wet slate. The palate enters focused and seamless, laced with tensile black and blue fruit tannin and extreme poise and persistence. A dark and brooding power lurks beneath the tight knit lattice of fruit and oak tension only to be unleashed with time. This wine will continue to mature beautifully and can be cellared for 10+ years. 2015 was the first Lot 71 vintage produced.
Ruby red with black hints. A bouquet of violets, red currant and cassis, hints of boysenberries and freshly roasted coffee. An elegant array of red and blue fruits, pristine tannin and succulent acidity introduce a svelte and finely stitched palate. Flavours of cherry blossom, blue berries and cedar dart across deeper undertones of graphite and black currants, whisking off into an utterly pure finish of oyster shell and cracked gravel.
Bold aromatics of freshly cut peaches, baked apple and custard are dotted with tones of grapefruit, zested limes and salted cashews. The palate is powerful and coating, boasting viscous natural acidity laced with flavours of orange blossom and nectarines, carried through to a quenching yet persistent finish of white pear and crushed granite. Drink now for freshness or be rewarded with cellaring.
Bracing aromas of red currants, blue berries and violets to start, further opening with time to reveal tones of cassis and wet slate. The palate enters focused and seamless, laced with tensile black and blue fruit tannin and extreme poise and persistence. A dark and brooding power lurks beneath the tight knit lattice of fruit and oak tension only to be unleashed with time. This wine will continue to mature beautifully and can be cellared for 10+ years.
Dark red in colour with blue flecks. Lifted aromas of cherry blossoms, nori and cracked white pepper, underpinned by subtle dark sheaths of black plums and allspice. Coating red fruit tannins introduce a velure palate laced with Eastern spices, dried flowers and a succulent yet soft acidity. A bristling finish of red cherries, thyme and lingering minerality.
Lychee, rock melon and subtle tones of nutmeg and almonds introduce a brooding and textural palate, seasoned with tones of allspice, nectarines and currants. A finish of moreish gravelly tannin and lifted flavours of lemon leaf and freshly zested limes.
Aromas of glazed red cherries, white and black pepper and cocoa to start, slowly revealing hints of rosewater, pomegranate and boysenberries. The palate boasts ultra-fine red fruit tannin, poised and resonating through textures of plum skin and soft acidity. The finish is firm yet fine, awash in cherry blossoms and kirsch.