The Reviews

KEN GARGETT REVIEWS NEW RELEASE WINES FOR WINE PILOT

Ken Gargett Reviews - https://winepilot.com/ - 23rd November 2020

2017 Oates Ends Cabernet Sauvignon - 95 POINTS

 “From a top vintage in Margaret River (what year isn’t?), and again from the Wilyabrup sub-region, this is my pick of the current wines (as was an older release of their cabernet sauvignon when I looked at the wines last time).    It’s wonderful stuff – dry herbs, tobacco leaf, a little chocolate and black fruits. French oak also shines through, but it has integrated seamlessly, and the aromas are intoxicating. The wine is complex, concentrated and shows great length with the fruit intensity maintained on top of balanced, cashmere tannins. It has decades to go, if you can keep your hands off it – love it. After a day’s tasting, this was the bottle put aside for dinner.” 

2020 Oates Ends Chardonnay - 92 POINTS with a bullet!

“I had the chance to look at a range of the Oates Ends wines a year or so ago – I had hoped to meet up with winemaker, Cath Oates (brother Russ has control of the vineyards), when in Margaret River at the time, but we could not make it work. Very much my loss. This is their debut Chardonnay, and what a cracking way to start.  Time in French oak and, at the moment, that is front and centre. Quality oak with lovely nutmeg notes. Behind that, stonefruit, ginger and peach notes. Very attractive, clean plus excellent length and as the oak moderates over the next few years, this wine will sing. 92 now, but with a bullet.” 2020-2027.

2020 Oates Ends Semillon Sauvignon Blanc - 93 POINTS

“This small Margaret River operation is quickly building a reputation for exceptional wines, not a bad feat given the surrounding competition. As with all Oates Ends wines, elegantly packaged. From the Wilyabrup sub-region (subject to some intense scrutiny in respect of a possible, and locally controversial, appellation system), this has incurred some barrel fermentation. The old Sem Sauv Blanc combo was well known as the region’s classic dry white blend, until it was swept away by the Kiwi Sauvalanche. I found a few too many of them to be a bit too grassy to really excite, but this one has no such issues. Tropical just explodes from the glass. Passionfruit galore. A whiff of pineapple. Bold, full-flavoured, this is nicely balanced with good acidity. Seamless and with serious length. Drink it now, for two years. For me, this is one of the best Sem Savvy blends going.” Drink 2020-22 

2016 TEMPRANILLO. RAY JORDAN - THE WEST AUSTRALIAN WINE GUIDE 2018.

Best of the West – Top WA Tempranillo “Boy, Cath Oates has really nailed this delightful Tempranillo. It’s medium bodied with soft and supple fleshy fruit characters. Fine grainy tannins work into the beautiful fruit on the palate. Rasberry and cherry notes with excellent poise and structure through to the finish. Love drinking this.”quis nibh sagittis adipiscing.

2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON. RAY JORDAN - THE WEST AUSTRALIAN WINE GUIDE 2018. 93/100

"Impressive Cabernet from this great vintage in Margaret River. The fruit comes from Wilyabrup. So much to like from this excellent cabernet. Touch of blackcurrant, a little black olive and even a trace of graphite. It is all together engaging with an integrated palate of grainy tannins and fine-grained French oak. Effortless through to the long finish.quis nibh sagittis adipiscing.