It's a right hand turn off the highway, followed by an immediate right again, and once you're in the car park a walk to the back of the building takes you to a ramp leading upstairs to the restaurant and cellar door. It's not the largest tasting area you've seen, and with any more than two or three small parties you'd start getting in each other's way. There was a fairly boisterous lunch party finishing up when we arrived and an ex-employee and girlfriend in the tasting area.
With vineyards at Capel, Mount Barker, Pemberton and Margaret River covering eighteen grape varieties it's an interesting range.
I tried:
2009 Mount Barker Riesling (4.5/5 $26.95). Definite Riesling nose without the South Australian citrus and slate. I thought it was a nice variation on a favourite wine style. Classy. Possible order.
2009 Pemberton Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (4/5 $24.95). Tropical fruit notes that you expect from this style, and a good example of what's possible. Good alternative to the Savalanche. Could possibly order, but...
2009 Debut Verdelho (3.5/5 $17.95). Typical varietal nose and flavour profile. I've gone off Verdelho lately, and this one wasn't going to bring me back into the fold. Probably a 4 for fans of the variety). Not for mine, but Halliday liked it more than I did, rating it a 92!
2009 Pemberton Chardonnay (4.5/5 $24.95). Very taken with yet another new-style Oz Chard, and it's one worth watching for. Would be in the order if one goes in.
2009 Geographe Viognier (3.5/5 $26.95). Perfumed varietal nose and standard flavour profile. Slowly going off the variety, though fans would probably enjoy. Not for mine.
2008 Debut Shiraz Rose (4/5 $17.95). Slightly sweet at first, but with a long dry finish. Very pleasant summer chilled style. One to bear in mind, and could go half a dozen.
2005 West Australian Shiraz (3.5/5 $24.95). Peppery varietal nose. Easy drinking rounded style that I didn't mind but wouldn't be likely to order.
2007 Margaret River Cabernet Merlot (3/5 $24.95). Interesting nose but neither of us liked it on the palate..
2007 Geographe Sangiovese (4/5 $26.95). Interesting style with varietal character. I liked it and would possibly throw a bottle or two into an order.
2008 Geographe Petit Verdot (4.5/5 $26.95). Varietal nose and very impressive style. Ideal fireside red, so bought one for the fireside at the night's accommodation. Could easily go for more.