Next up the pecking order, the World Series ($30/$25), a Tempranillo and a Sangiovese from 2008 were exciting explorations of two newer varietals. I preferred the Sangiovese, a pleasant savoury style.
The top of the range Block Series were a definite step up, with the 2009 Block 6 Chardonnay (4.5/5 $35/$30) a highly perfumed style, the 2008 Block 8 Cabernet Franc (4/5 $35/$30) having varietal character to burn in a medium-bodied style and the dry with depth 2005 Block 10 Petit Verdot (4.5/5 $35/$30) also rating pretty highly.
To finish, the 2008 Block 2 Cabernet Sauvignon ( 4.5/5 $50/$45) was quite outstanding (95 from Halliday).
While I escaped with credit card dockets for dozens of the Pitchfork Pink and a cleanskin 2008 Merlot that was quite acceptable drinking @ $8, I don't know if there'll be a great deal of ordering action headed towards Hay Shed Hill.
The curse of lost tasting notes kicked in at Ashbrook Estate, where we met another friendly and informative cellar door attendant. But the only evidence to hand was a single sheet bereft of scribbled comments.
So I've got little option but to move straight on to one of the Margaret River icons that I was particularly looking forward to.
You never quite know what's in store when you pull into the visitors' car park at any time, but the last stop of the day can be problematic.
Looking back on two days in Margaret River I've got to admit both last visits were not quite underwhelming but weren't as impressive as they could have been.