Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThe Oatley reds are often tightly wound, even austere, at first. But give this wine time in a glass or decanter and it becomes a much more vibrant and elegant drop. Plums, brambly berries, dark chocolate and licorice are backed by earthy, savory spices. Power and elegance play together, wound by dusty, savory tannins. The oak gets a touch bitter at the finish, but overall this is a balanced and restrained bottling. Drink now–2027.
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.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”