Enjoy learning more about wine with us

Wine Details

Hamelin Bay Rampant Red Cabernet Shiraz Merlot Margaret River Australia 2015 Rich red fruits on the nose with plums and prunes on the palate. Moderate soft tannins and medium acidity with balanced warming alcohol. £15.49

Producer

Hamelin Bay was established in 1992 near Karridale in the coolest most southerly part of the Margaret River wine region. Karridale fruit is always the last to ripen generally between mid March and mid April for the major varieties. Hamelin Bay was the first commercial winery to establish in Karridale with significant development in recent years as winemakers seek out the more elegant flavours associated with the longer ripening period available in the area. The family crest is a two-legged dragon called a Wyvern. The Latin ("esse quam videri") on the label is their motto "to be rather than seem to be" a wine of distinction.

Grape varieties

Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Region

Margaret River is both a town and a wine region in the southwestern corner of Western Australia. The region is situated within a narrow 100km strip between two capes - Cape Naturalist in the north and Cape Leeuwin in the south. As the region is uniquely bounded by ocean on three sides, it is characterised by a maritime climate. In January the mean temperature is 19 degrees and there is usually a long dry period between October and April perfect for growing cool-climate grapes. In spring salty winds whip up from the sea, causing problems for the vines when flowering. This often results in low grape production and associated increase in quality.

Historically, small independent wineries have produced premium-quality wines here that command high prices. The grapes thrive on the gravelly, gritty and sandy soils, which tend to lose their moisture very quickly on the slopes, and the resulting wines are concentrated. The region is noted for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and blends of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. But Merlot and Shiraz are gaining in reputation.

Style

Full-bodied with good chunky tannins that go down well with a rich hearty meal. You can tell these wines have seen oak by the toasty, vanilla aromas as opposed to full-on fruit. You’ll find Rioja and similar styles within this section.

Similar Style Wines

Azabache Tempranillo Rioja Tinto Spain 2017 A vibrant, unoaked red with typical Tempranillo character of red fruits such as cherry, raspberry and plum with notes of liquorice and finishes soft and rounded.	£9.99
Laibach Pinotage Simonsberg South Africa 2016 Plummy rich red fruits with a touch of complexing green leathery note. Full bodied on the mouth with fine grained tannins.	£14.99
Castillo de Clavijo DOC Rioja Reserva Spain 2012 The Reserva is aged for up to 24 months in French and American oak casks to give this wine real complexity, with ripe, mature fruit, lots of spice and vanilla oak flavours.	£12.29
Colonial Estate L'Explorateur Shiraz Barossa Valley Australia 2016 Deep, full and powerful with clean berry flavours and ripe tannin structure mean this wine, while drinking well now, will improve with another 5-6 years.	£13.49
Fattoria di Basciano Chianti Rufina DOCG Italy 2016 Cherry and violet aromas entice, but with firm tannins and acidity it makes for a wine ready to go with food.	£11.39
La Playa Axel Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Chile 2012 A deep elegant scarlet colour. On the nose, bright red fruit with hints of sweet vanilla, almonds and light touches of cinnamon. In the mouth, big persistent volume with notes of wild berry, juniper and chocolate.	£14.99
Castillo de Clavijo Rioja Crianza 2015 Aged for 12 months in American & French oak casks, it shows bright red berry fruit, balanced with vanilla and spice to add richness and body.	£9.39
Azabache Rioja Crianza DO Spain 2015 A young Rioja with a ripe fruit bouquet with light vanilla oak and dark berry fruit on the palate with developing tannins.	£10.99