REDGATE

Redgate was certainly one of the smallest producers I managed to get around to in the Margaret River. Generally I associate them with one wine which I regularly drink, their wood matured Sauvignon Blanc Reserve.

To be honest I nearly bypassed Redgate, but then I picked up one of their flyers at an olive oil tasting. Redgate's flyer claimed they were the friendliest cellar door in the region. As I was a touch disappointed with some of the premeditated receptions I received at other cellar doors, I was keen to check out this friendly place.

Although small Redgate still managed to fit a large amount of souvenirs, dips, spreads, condiments, lollies, oils, olives etc. into their tasting room. The rather mature lady behind the counter was definitely not mean spirited or snobby, but I wouldn't call her the friendliest in the region. She'd certainly contend for the quirkiest though.

THE WINES

The first couple of wines at this tasting were hampered by the glassware. My glass had obviously just been washed and the aroma of the first two wines might've been described as 'dishwasher fresh.' Unfortunately the OFS Semillon was one of these wines. Tasting notes on these wines just wouldn't have done justice.

Strangely Redgate's two chardonnays, which included a back tasting of the 2004, didn't interest me at all. The sauvignon blanc based wines were both more than admirable, especially my preferred Reserve, but the 2007 cabernet wines seemed a bit lean and herbaceous. From a good vintage these wines could've been a lot better, much like the surprisingly generous and luscious 2007 Shiraz.

Redgate Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2008 ($29)

20% oak. Reserved, subdued nose with pleasantly complex notes of matchstick and flint laid over a restrained mineral fruit profile. Its palate shows good oak derived texture, with more obvious, brighter fruit than the nose. Crisp acidity completes a fine package. 92

Redgate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008 ($21)

Similar mineral accented fruits to the Reserve. Not as complex or textured as the Reserve though, but the semillon imparts great drive and length on the palate. Classic regional style and great value ($15 at some outlets I'm sure) 90

Redgate Shiraz 2007 ($30)

Ripe berry and plum fruit characters with touches of pepper. Its palate is very nice, with a relatively full expression of generous flavours. 91

Redgate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 ($35)

Intriguing, very earthy, perhaps fast developing nose. The palate shows dry, savoury tannins, fair length and adequate structure, but it lacks depth of fruit and shows hints of rawness. Definitely not a consumer friendly style. 87

Redgate Cabernet Franc 2007 ($40)

Genuinely varietal but a bit greenish. Presents a dusty, herbaceous nose with capsicum notes overlying dark berry fruits. Its palate is noticeably firm and tight with powerful, drying tannins, but once again seems deficient in depth and length of fruit. Could've been so much more. 88