{"title":"Smithbrook","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWith the first vines planted on the 100-hectare property in the 1980s, this was one of the first established vineyards in the Pemberton region and Smithbrook is now highly regarded as one of Pemberton’s pioneering estates. Offering elegant and artisanal expressions of Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo, these delicious wines make up the Smithbrook Single Vineyard range.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"smithbrook-2023-single-vineyard-chardonnay","title":"2023 Single Vineyard Chardonnay","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love this wine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis elegant Single Vineyard Chardonnay is produced from the Smithbrook Vineyard in the heart of the Pemberton wine region in Western Australia. Winemaking remains traditional, with Winemaker Ben Rector respecting the fruit through a minimal intervention approach in the winery. Fruit is hand-picked and whole bunch pressed, before undergoing wild fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's not just the winemaking approach that is impressive; the 2023 vintage in Pemberton was excellent, with wines showing bright, complex fruit flavours, balanced acidity and restrained power. Oak influence has also imparted \u003cspan\u003ea creamy mouthfeel and texture to the final wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a delicious Chardonnay which delivers well above its price point. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eColour\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePale straw with green tinges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAroma\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA complex lifted nose with an abundance of yellow tropical fruit, charry oak influence, and subtle gun smoke sulphide complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePalate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA rich, dense flavour profile with complex secondary flavours of nougat and pie crust derived from yeast lees autolysis and regular stirring during the maturation stage.  A crunchy acid backbone helps maintain the fruit intensity and prolong the length of this delicious Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCellaring\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrinking beautifully now and will cellar for up to 6 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003evintage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 vintage is typified by a cool, late spring, and mild warm summer. Below average rainfall for the growing season resulted in reduced yields overall, but fruit intensity and ripeness of the estate whites were especially strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit has once again been handpicked from our Gingin cloned vines, which typically produces Chardonnay with outstanding flavour and intensity. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ewinemaking\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced solely from the Smithbrook Vineyard, the winemaking techniques are implemented to best represent the terrior of this Pemberton site.  Fruit was handpicked in the cool morning and refrigerated overnight to minimise oxidation, before gentle pressing to new and seasoned French oak barrels for wild fermentation. Regular stirring of the lees during and after ferment contribute texture, while enhancing the complexity.  The wine was matured in oak for 6 months, before individual barrels were selected to create the final blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRegion\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePemberton \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVariety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Chardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnalysis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlcohol: 13.0%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 3.28\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTA (Acidity): 6.40 g\/L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReviews\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Real Review, February 2024\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePale straw yellow colour, the nose offers inviting soft tropical fruit and grapefruit aromas. Medium weight and still rather closed, it has delicious purity of fruit in the mouth, finishing long and elegant. Should build richness with a couple of years in bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[points rating=\"92\" title=\"The Real Review 2024\"]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRay Jordan WA Wine Review 2025\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the best Chardonnays from Smithbrook in recent years. Really nails it in every way. Immediately opens with a mix of stone fruit and cutting lemon tang merging with a roasted almond character. The palate is intense and penetrating with the support of a fine persistent acidity. Has a savoury minerally finish to complete a very tidy wine. Super value wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[points rating=\"91\" title=\"Ray Jordan Wine 2024\"]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHalliday Wine Companion, May 2024\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn easy-going, slurpy and fresh-feeling chardonnay with typical characters of stone fruits, nougat, sweet lime, briny minerality and a touch of cinnamon\/clove woodiness. It's even and flows well, trickles through the back palate with lime sorbet notes and a sense of that sweet-woody spice. A bit simple overall, but delivers on its promise well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smithbrook","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":40716975931462,"sku":"2510CHA23D67","price":30.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1139\/8708\/files\/SB_SV_Chardonnay_9e12c5d0-6a4e-4c84-bd08-022b322ea285.jpg?v=1696216893"},{"product_id":"smithbrook-2022-single-vineyard-nebbiolo","title":"2022 Smithbrook Single Vineyard Nebbiolo","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love This Wine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn describing this alternative variety, Smithbrook Winemaker Ben Rector said: “Who doesn’t love Nebbiolo? I can't think of many wines that exhibit full bodied characteristics and structure, while maintaining such an elegant fruit profile with subtle aromatics. The variety has a tendency to produce a wide range of terroir driven styles, almost all featuring the unique rose petal, dark cherry aromatics, with a lighter coloured hue, but astonishingly complex and robust tannin structure that really sets it apart from other varieties popular in Australia just now.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eColour\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePale garnet, red ruby hues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAroma\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplex, dense, lifted aromas displaying intesne varietal character: black tar, dried florals, blue fruits, red liquorice and orange peel. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePalate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate exhibits heavy, dense ripe fruit, punching with serious weight and volume.  Blue and black fruits are at the fore, with subtle oak influence rounding out the mouthfeel.  A seriously structured, fruit dominant wine with big tannins that will continue to soften with bottle age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCellaring\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 18 months in oak, this wine is certainly approachable in its youth with cellaring potential of up to eight years in the right conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVintage \u0026amp; Winemaking\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage was unusually late in Pemberton, even after a hot and dry January and February. Whites showed flavour, texture and balance and the reds are as good (or perhaps even better) than we have ever made, with great colour, ripe flavours and soft tannins. Fruit was handpicked, and delivered to the winery for gentle destemming, then crushed to a small fermenter.  The skins are handled delicately throughout fermentation to minimise excessive extraction of the Nebbiolo tannins. The Nebbiolo fruit is left on skins for 14 days, before being gently pressed to larger format seasoned barrels, where it matured for 18 months before bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRegion\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePemberton \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVariety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNebbiolo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnalysis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlcohol: 14.0%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 3.32\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTA: 6.30 g\/L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAwards\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSydney Royal Wine Show 2025\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e[badge rating=\"gold\" title=\"Sydney Royal Wine Show 2025\"]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReviews\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMike Bennie, Halliday Wine Companion 2026\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA succulent, medium-weight red that does great credit to the variety. Lots of red cherry, black tea, game meat, dried herbs, pepper and woody spices. It meshes beautifully and is framed well by a sheath of dusty, fine tannin, the finish all black tea, smoky wood and spice. Delicious and well done. A gourmet wine, per se.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[points rating=\"93\" title=\"Halliday Wine Companion 2026\"]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCassandra Charlick, Wine Pilot, December 2024\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFloral and blueberries. Dried florals. Fantastic structure, though chalky tea leaf tannins. Tasty amaro-type bitter orange and herbal notes. Just enough Nebbiolo, but fresh and drink-now deliciousness. Structure, freshness, form. Not the most complex or the most intense, but lots to love. Ripe and flavoursome. That burnt orange really comes through and builds with each mouthful. Take a good swig – this isn’t a sipper, but a full mouth, good grip guzzler.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[points rating=\"91\" title=\"Wine Pilot\"]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smithbrook","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42121649061958,"sku":"2510NEB22D67","price":30.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1139\/8708\/files\/Smithbrook_Single_Vineyard_Nebbiolo_51a1d497-0f71-48ff-a4ed-aba1bbba014f.jpg?v=1735005022"},{"product_id":"2022-the-yilgarn-blanc-de-blancs","title":"2022 The Yilgarn Blanc De Blancs","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love this wine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Blanc de Blancs sparkling is the ultimate aperitif for any social occasion. Produced using the Traditional French Method ie méthode traditionelle and spending over 30 months on lees, this is a richly layered and complex wine delivering far beyond its price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith very little sweetening at dosage stage, the style is bright, crisp and dry, while packing tonnes of flavour from the early picked fruit, and long term lees contact. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ecolour\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium straw with bright green, gold hues\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003earoma\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA complex and lifted nose. A unique combination of white peach, nectarine, white blossom, toasted brioche and a hint of oyster shell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003epalate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a fine creamy mousse, this sparkling is crisp, fresh and zesty, delivering melon and peach flavours enhanced by the autolytic induced softness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wine exhibits generous acidity with a layered, complex mouthfeel, and delivers a long, textural finish. A genuine bottle fermented sparkling wine suitable for all celebrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ecellaring\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady to enjoy now, well chilled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003evintage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTextbook weather conditions for sparkling wine, warm summer followed by cool ripening period – ideal conditions for fruit set and slow ripening, resulting in a relatively late picking date.  The Chardonnay from our Pemberton block is selected for The Yilgarn because it develops intense fruit flavours, whilst maintaining significant acid levels – crucial in the development of méthode traditionelle sparkling wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ewinemaking\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Yilgarn Blanc de Blancs has been produced using 100% handpicked Chardonnay from the estate vineyard in Pemberton. The wine was made using the ‘Traditional Methode’ of secondary fermentation in the bottle, followed by 30 months on yeast lees before being disgorged. This extended time on contact with its lees helped develop the secondary flavours that added great complexity and texture to the palate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eregion\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePemberton \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003evariety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChardonnay \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eanalysis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlcohol: 12%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 3.15\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcidity (TA): 7.28 g\/L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWestern Australia crab croquettes with dill aioli.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smithbrook","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":42451150012486,"sku":"2520BDB22D67","price":35.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1139\/8708\/files\/Smithbrook_Yilgarn.jpg?v=1698389754"},{"product_id":"2021-single-vineyard-merlot","title":"2021 Single Vineyard Merlot","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love this wine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\"The timing for the release of this 2021 Single Vineyard Merlot couldn’t be better... After 12 months in barrel, and 3 years bottle age, it’s just hitting it’s straps now. The oak is seamlessly integrated with bright youthful fruit, and that time cellaring in the bottle has softened the tannins considerably for a long silky mouthfeel.\" – Ben Rector, Senior Winemaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eColour\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrick red, purple hues.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAroma\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lifted, perfumed nose with hints of charred, spicy oak alongside blue and red berry fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePalate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate exhibits bright, fresh blueberry and ripe plum characters, complemented by layers of sweet vanillin oak and spice. The fine, persistent tannin structure promotes medium-bodied intensity and a gentle, smooth finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCellaring\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCellar for 3–8 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003evintage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbundant winter rainfall filled dams and promoted vine canopy growth. A cool spring resulted in slower maturity but promoted rich fruit flavours in both whites and reds. Occasional rainfall during the harvest period provided some challenges. However, a dedicated viticultural team helped procure clean fruit despite disease pressure. Reds benefited greatly from a warm and dry autumn.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ewinemaking\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit was handpicked, then destemmed in the winery to small fermenters for a three-day cold soak. Gentle maceration techniques during fermentation were used to promote ripe berry flavours and minimal extraction of grape seed tannins. Pressed off skins post-fermentation into new and seasoned French oak hogsheads for nine months maturation. Bottled early promoting freshness of aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRegion\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePemberton \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVariety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMerlot\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnalysis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlcohol: 14.0%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"Smithbrook","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":43461579702342,"sku":"2510MER21D67","price":30.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1139\/8708\/products\/Smithbrook_Single_Vineyard_Merlot_84c29e0a-a97b-41fb-8108-bbbabaca72f6.jpg?v=1653967004"},{"product_id":"2023-single-vineyard-pinot-noir","title":"2023 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love this wine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\"Pinot Noir is an incredibly exciting variety to work with—delicate, easily bruised, and quick to become over-extracted. But when you push the boundaries and edge close to that cliff, that's where the true flavour and intensity lie. This wine was handcrafted with passion—and a whole lot of fun.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBen Rector, Winemaker.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eColour\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright red with moderate intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAroma\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlluring and abundant aroma of dark cherry, Turkish delight with forest floor notes, the technique of whole bunch fermentation also adds a gamey, stalky, complexity to the aroma. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePalate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe palate is medium weighted with soft layered jubey red fruits.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCellaring\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e9 months maturation in new French Oak Barriques has contributed lovely subtle charry sweetness, and the soft acid backbone shall ensure the wine drinks best for\u003c\/span\u003e for 2–3 years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[split]\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003evintage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage was unusually late in Pemberton, even after a hot and dry January and February. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhites showed flavour, texture and balance and the reds are as good (or perhaps even better) than we have ever made, with\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e great colour, ripe flavours and soft tannins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ewinemaking\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit was very carefully and selectively hand-picked and sorted, then destemmed into an open fermenter, including 20% whole bunches for complexity and texture. Following a short cold soak, before ferment kicked off, the wine was tasted daily and plunged as required for 14 days then matured for eight months in new (25%) and one-year-old French barriques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRegion\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePemberton \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVariety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePinot Noir\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnalysis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlcohol: 14.0%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH 3.74\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTA 4.6\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Smithbrook","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":43735857299526,"sku":"2510PIN23D67","price":30.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1139\/8708\/products\/SBK_SV_Pinot_Secondary.jpg?v=1696468251"}],"url":"https:\/\/fogartyhall.wine\/collections\/smithbrook\/single-vineyard.oembed","provider":"Fogarty Hall Fine Wine Estates","version":"1.0","type":"link"}