Passel Estate Featured in The Vintage Journal Margaret River Wine Guide 2026

Internationally recognised Master of Wine, Andrew Caillard, has just published his Margaret River Wine Guide 2026 for The Vintage Journal and we are very proud to once again be featured in it with a full suite of fantastic reviews for our single-vineyard, sustainable wines.

Andrew Caillard MW is a former wine auctioneer and widely respected fine wine expert with a specialist knowledge in Australian wine. The Vintage Journal is a collaboration between Andrew Caillard MW and Angus Hughson PhD, published primarily for the fine wine industry and wine collectors.

The Vintage Journal Margaret River Wine Guide is a fascinating and in-depth account of our famous wine region, from its beginnings through to the current producers and wines that make it what it is today. We recommend settling down to read it with a glass of one of Passel Estate’s fine Margaret River wines recommended by Andrew below.

Passel Estate Lot 71 Reserve Cabernet 2018: 94 points
“For me, this is the pick of the collection of latest releases from this
Margaret River winery. Hailing from the brilliant 2018 vintage no doubt
helps. It is always exciting to see wines which have already enjoyed
considerable time in the cellar before release. Maturation is for a year
and a half in French oak barriques, with slightly more than half of them
new. Near black/maroon in colour, this is poised, taut, intense and
impressively balanced. The nose gives notes of chocolate, blackberries,
cloves, graphite, mocha and cold tea. The oak integration is immaculate
and there is good complexity already evident. The palate sees the
emergence of black cherry notes. A midweight style with silky tannins,
it offers attractive length and maintains its intensity throughout. Enjoy
this really exciting Cabernet over the next ten to fifteen years. Giving the
wine a few hours in a decanter will only add to its allure.”

Passel Estate Cabernet 2019: 93 points
“Maturation for this excellent Margaret River Cabernet, which already
has considerable age under its belt, was for ten months in French oak
barriques, 35% of which were new. Deep maroon in colour, the nose
reveals notes of smoked meats, black fruits, kirsch, graphite, mushrooms,
dried herbs and chocolate with some toasty oak still evident. The wine
is of medium to good length and finishes with satiny tannins. A kinder,
gentler style of Cabernet, this will provide pleasure for another decade.”

Passel Estate Lot 71 Reserve Syrah 2021: 93 Points
“The team selected specific rows in the vineyard for this flagship Shiraz,
which underwent whole cluster fermentation and then saw sixteen
months’ maturation in large format French oak puncheons. 40% of those
puncheons were new. Blood red/maroon in hue, the nose offers notes of
black fruits mingling with red, pencil shavings, dried herbs, beef stock,
mushrooms and cassis. There is good focus with impressive balance,
through to fine tannins. The oak integration is effectively complete and
done well. Lots to like with this slightly savoury Syrah style, which
should drink beautifully for the next ten years.“

Passel Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023: 93 Points
“Fresh, crisp, and crunchy. Everything you want from a Margaret River
Sauvignon Blanc. It reminds me of sitting by the ocean. Lime zest,
passionfruit pith, and a line of chalk. On the palate, the acidity is tight,
bright and coastal; aromas slip into flavour with a little more pith and
a whisper of almond skin. A refreshing little wine, absolutely built for
sunny days.”

Passel Estate Shiraz 2021: 91 points
“A winery which sneaks under the radar, at least for those of us from the
eastern States; this is a fine Shiraz. Fermentation was on skins over two
weeks, before pressing to barrel. Maturation was in a mix of French oak
barriques and puncheons for ten months. 30% of the oak was new. Deep
maroon in colour, with a garnet rim, the nose offers aromas weaving
through cold tea, cloves, leather, graphite, blackberries, spices, cherries,
chocolate and a hint of axle grease, in the most positive way. A silky
texture with fine satiny tannins, this is a thoroughly enjoyable wine. It
needs a touch more length for elevation to higher status, and perhaps
that will come with time. Meanwhile, it should provide pleasure over the
next six to eight years.”

Passel Estate Chardonnay 2023: 90 points
“Here, peaches and cream meet lemon drop. Hints of tea tree and cold
peach tea. Acidity is steep with some grapefruit oil lingering. A wine that
is showing some subtle spice and honeysuckle on the finish. Drink now
with some Balmain bug meat tossed through linguine.”