Since the first vintage in 1996 Hamelin Bay has been a standard bearer for vineyards around the town of Karridale in southern Margaret River. The cooler climate suits white wines such as sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and semillon sauvignon blanc blends. Cabernet sauvignon and shiraz also work well as a result of strict low-yield management.

Hamelin Bay semillon sauvignon blanc 2016 ($25)

This southern vineyard always produces excellent fruit for styles such as this and it once again has worked. Passionfruit and other tropical notes with a decent hit of lemon essence. The palate is full of life and energy with a crunchy long finish. Ideal in the short term.
SCORE 89/100 CELLAR 3 Years

Hamelin Bay chardonnay 2014 ($30)

This wine is starting to show its best form in bottle. Nutty with a creaminess working with the primary stone fruit and slightly lemony characters of the fruit. It’s a complete wine with good flavour intensity. More fruit driven and ideal in the short term.
SCORE 88/100 CELLAR 3 years

Hamelin Bay cabernet merlot 2014 ($25)

Medium-bodied fruity-driven cab merlot blend. Opens with a leafy red berry and cedar character on the nose. The palate is neatly packaged with good oak and tannins complementing the sweet ripe fruit. Nice persistence. Best in the medium term.
SCORE 89/100 CELLAR 4 years

Hamelin Bay Reserve shiraz 2012 ($49)

A soft and supple shiraz. The nose has lots of dark chocolate and rich savoury plum characters. The gravelly flavours are supported by the sinewy tannins and neat oak treatment. Finishes dry.
SCORE 90/100 CELLAR 5 years

Hamelin Bay cabernet sauvignon 2012 ($32)

These cabernets have been very good over the years. I liked the 2011 which was a more opulent wine, yet this one has a fine degree of finesse and poise. Lovely perfumed black fruit on the nose with a cedary violet dark chocolate nuance. The palate is velvety smooth with well-managed tannins and oak.
SCORE 91/100 CELLAR 5 years