2022 Wine Companion Results
The 2022 Wine Companion was just released, and we are very excited to share for the first time our name was printed in red, alongside our running five red stars. According to editor Tyson Stelzer, "The winery name printed in red denote the best of the best with a long track record of excellence in upholding a 5-star rating for the past ten years." This places us in the top 12.8% of wineries in the Wine Companion, a space we are honoured to sit within.
Here are a few of our best scores,
2017 Clairault Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - 96 points
"89/11% cabernet sauvignon/franc. 14 days on skins, 18 months in French oak (50% new). Elegant, balanced and fine cabernet from a cool year. The supple fruit is wrapped up in a package of finely gripping tannins, cooling acidity and exotic spice, hinting at both a long future in the cellar and pleasure on the table tonight. Wonderful stuff." - Erin Larkin
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2019 Streicker Ironstone Block Old Vine Chardonnay - 96 points
"Whole-bunch pressed, fermented in oak (40% new), a portion underwent mlf, matured for 9 months with fortnightly bâtonnage. Perhaps unsurprisingly oak-driven at this very early stage, but the underlying fruit has persistence and quiet concentration that linger on the palate, determined to outlast the oak. Which it does. Eminently classy and layered, by the time this is released it will be a superstar." Erin Larkin
2019 Clairault Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon - 95 points
"Just over 6% cabernet franc added. On skins for 14 days, matured in French oak barrique for 10 months. An interesting wine – the flavour is not intensely concentrated, but it is exceedingly long. When you think it has finished, it continues. Cassis, raspberry, bay leaf and violets. There is pepper and saline acid in there, too. Elegant, understated and restrained; a cabernet for the ages." - Erin Larkin
2019 Clairault Estate Chardonnay - 95 points
"Hand picked, whole-bunch pressed, fermented in oak (40% new), lees stirred fortnightly in barrel for 9 months after mlf. Very closed at this very early stage of its obviously long life. Taut acidity that is pure brine; white orchard fruit and thundering length of flavour are all the hallmarks of brilliance. The shutters are pulled right now, but that doesn't mean there's no one at home. Wait." - Erin Larkin
2016 Streicker Bridgeland Block Syrah - 95 points
"Hand picked in 2 lots, 4 days apart. 33% of stalks from the first pick added back to the ferment. Each lot was vinified and matured independently for 4 months in Burgundian oak (33% new), blending occurred just prior to bottling. A savoury, layered and delicate wine, with complex flavours that continue to emerge over a very long finish. Tannins are pervasive, the spice rack is opened at freshly grated nutmeg, and the fruit is savoury and red." - Erin Larkin
2019 Streicker Bridgeland Block Fume Blanc - 95 points
"Cracked coconut, coriander seed, fennel flower, sugar snap peas and graphite against a backdrop of turmeric, saffron, lemon pith and brine. On the palate, this shows just as much of the vineyard as it does the winemaker's hand – the oak and fruit are at constant war with each other for dominance. This needs a year in bottle for the peace treaties to be signed, but life post-signing promises harmony, interest and deliciousness. It has the potential to polarise, but on my page, this is impressive." - Erin Larkin
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2020 Clairault Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Semillon - 93 points
"Grassy aromatics lead into the crunchy green palate. Plenty of refreshment and taut acidity here to liven up a hot afternoon. Kiwi fruit, rosewater and lemon flesh to close." - Erin Larkin
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2019 Clairault Margaret River Chardonnay - 93 points
"Barrel fermented in French oak (40% new), partial mlf and 9 months' maturation with lees stirring. Classy, refined and layered, this is still at an inchoate stage, but all things are in place for a future of grace and poise. Delicate, but enduring." - Erin Larkin
2019 Clairault Margaret River Cabernet Merlot - 93 points
"27% merlot. 10 months in French oak. What an unbelievably aromatic and fragrant nose ... sweet forest berries, gentle spice and toasty oak are all wrapped up in a plush package. The palate obediently follows the path laid down by the aromas. Neat little wine." - Erin Larkin