By Christine Salins.
Gralyn Artizan Rare Muscat Forest
Margaret River wine producer Gralyn Estate has introduced a very special tasting experience imbued with the winery’s remarkable history. As part of the experience, small groups of wine lovers have the rare chance to taste wines dating back to 1980.
Even more special is that this intimate experience takes place in what was the region’s first commercial cellar door, opened in 1978. Annette and Scott Baxter, second-generation owners of Gralyn Estate, recently renovated and re-opened the space.
It had been out of sight from visitors for years but fondly remembered by many. “What we have here is unique, the first cellar door in its original state, tucked away for years beneath our modern cellar door,” said Scott.
“There’s people who remember that space, which is pretty much as it was with a few modern touches. Now we’re hoping to share it with new generations of wine drinkers who are curious to see it and taste museum wines that might be as old or older than they are. The whole experience gives a real sense of our journey at Gralyn Estate.”
Gralyn Tasting In The Vineyard
The journey began in 1975 when Gralyn was established by Annette’s parents, Graham and Merilyn Hutton, who transitioned from running cattle to producing premium wines, naming the venture with a blend of their first names.
“From the start, my parents cellared wine from each vintage, and it’s exceptional to have wine of this age and quality available in a tasting experience,” said Annette.
There’s both a Premium Wine Experience and Premium Fortified Experience on offer at the vineyard and winery in Caves Road, with viticulturists and winemakers leading small groups of visitors from grape to glass. The experiences cost $500 per group (two to four people). Larger groups can be accommodated on request.
During the tastings, back vintages of hero varieties Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with premium fortified wines, are matched with a selection of local produce. The Baxters are passionate about the region’s food and are keen to celebrate local farmers.
Only a handful of Western Australian wineries produce fortified wine, most of them in the Swan Valley, and the Huttons showed incredible foresight to barrel age it in a solera set up more than 40 years ago.
Scott Baxter Original Cellar Door Gralyn
Now it is being discovered by a new generation of wine lovers, and the estate is being rewarded handsomely with prestigious awards, including most recently the 2021 ANZ Boutique Wine Show trophy for their Artizan Rare Muscat NV, the wine’s 11th trophy.
Gralyn Estate wines are only available at the cellar door, online at www.gralyn.com.au and in a few select restaurants.
Gralyn Estate 2018 Reserve Chardonnay, $90: A big, rich wine albeit elegant and beautifully balanced, its fine acidity dancing alongside silky, buttery notes. Fermented with wild yeast and aged for 12 months in French oak, it has passionfruit and peach aromas, a touch of minerality and delicious pineapple/butterscotch notes.
Gralyn Estate 2018 Reserve Shiraz, $120: This medium-bodied old-vine Shiraz was co-fermented with 5% Viognier, the latter adding a beautiful floral note. Dark purple/crimson in colour with blackberry and spice aromas, fine tannins and generous sweet fruit.
Gralyn Estate 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $120: Cabernet is Margaret River (and Gralyn’s) flagship variety and boy, this one’s a treat. It comes from well-established (1975) vines that are unirrigated and organically grown. Dense and powerful, it ends with a glorious long finish.
Gralyn Estate 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $120: Surprisingly, there’s a similar price tag on the 2013 vintage, despite it having an extra five years on it. Blueberry and cherry notes with hints of spice. A gorgeous wine with the estate having done all the cellaring for you.
Gralyn Estate Rare Tawny Fortified NV, $60: This wine is all class with caramel/chocolate aromas and a lively palate of roasted hazelnuts, coffee and cinnamon. It’s won a swag of gold medals so the judges think it’s pretty good too.
Gralyn Estate Artizan Rare Muscat NV, $95: If you want to really splurge, this dessert wine has won numerous trophies against the best in the country. Produced in limited quantities, it has notes of Turkish delight, rose petal, butterscotch and raisins, all wrapped in one luscious blend. The label carries artwork by the estate’s founder, Merilyn Hutton, adding a deeply personal touch to this special wine.
