Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
In the fields of wine, coffee, tourism and yacht racing, the Sydney-based Oatley family has not only made their mark nationally and internationally but has also raised Australia’s profile and boosted its prosperity. In addition to the yachting business with their Wild Oats maxi-yachts and revamping the resorts and tourism on their stunningly beautiful Hamilton Island, the family started Robert Oatley Vineyards.
Founded by the late Robert Oatley AO, as a reinforcement of the family’s on-going commitment to the Australian wine industry, first started with Rosemount Estate (1969 - 2001). The family produces award-winning wines of superb quality, value, cellar-ability and immediate appeal. ‘Accessible elegance’ is always a focus for the family.
The Oatleys have overseen dynamic vineyard projects across South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia since the 1990’s. Today’s vineyard properties for Robert Oatley Vineyards shared and managed with long-term family friends and growers with a portfolio focus of Margaret River and McLaren Vale. The Robert Oatley wine portfolio commences with The Signature Series to The Finisterre to The Pennant Collection.
Home to some of Australia’s most elegant and long-lived red and white wines, Margaret River is situated in the farthest reaches of Western Australia. Relatively warm and dry, the region is cooled by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Margaret River takes some inspiration from Bordeaux, producing top-quality Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux Blends with firm structure, mouthwatering acidity, balanced alcohol and notes of herbs and spice. For white wines, refreshing blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon as well as complex, age-worthy Chardonnays are regional specialties.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.