By Christine Salins.
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Voyager Estate is renowned for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and varietals that evoke their Margaret River, Western Australia, origins. Since planting its first vines in 1978, it has made a long-term commitment to sustainability with the goal of becoming a carbon-neutral business.
As part of its mission to reduce its carbon footprint, it has focused on using renewable energy, carbon offsets, waste reduction, comprehensive recycling, land rehabilitation and revegetation activities, and playing a lead role in the region’s regenerative farming landscape. As of last month, the entire vineyard is now certified organic.
Voyager Estate wines are 100% estate-grown and reflect their terroir in Stevens Valley, a part of the Margaret River region with undulating slopes, warm summers and cooling maritime breezes. Minimal intervention techniques allow the grapes to shine.
Earlier this year, the estate welcomed Travis Crane as head chef of its much-lauded signature restaurant. Crane was previously executive chef at remote luxury accommodation Finniss River Lodge in the Northern Territory and, before that, Brisbane’s City Winery.
Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
A compulsive forager even on his days off, Crane is passionate about provenance-focused cooking. The menu at Voyager Estate provides not only a snapshot of the Margaret River landscape but highlights its small-scale, ethical, and sustainable producers.
The restaurant is set against a backdrop of the estate’s lush gardens and rolling lawns, surrounded by organically farmed vineyards and the majestic Marri trees beyond.
Voyager Estate 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, $26: This popular blend is crisp and bright with a long, dry finish. It’s a little herbaceous and minerally but the Semillon balances out the more overt Sauvignon Blanc tones and a small amount of barrel fermentation adds complexity. Vibrant with tropical fruit and lemon/citrus notes, this quintessential Margaret River style is easy drinking and refreshing.
Voyager Estate 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, $95: Rich and opulent with aromas of cinnamon and mint, fine silky tannins and a melange of cherry, blackberry, licorice, chocolate and coffee flavours. Beautifully balanced and elegant, with a deliciously long finish.
