Reviews

HUON HOOKE The Sydney Morning Herald 'Good Food'

30 April 2013

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2010

92/100

Preveli turns out a range of good-value wines and this cabernet merlot shows black-olive, tapenade and dark fruit aromas, with a medium to full body. The palate has good extract, richness and grip, with refreshing but not-prominent acidity. Cellar now to 2025. 13.5 per cent alcohol.
Food: Pink roast lamb

RAY JORDAN The West Australian

11 April 2013

Preveli Pinot Noir 2010

93/100

Impressive pinot noir. It combines finesse and power with lifted aromatics of strawberry and raspberry notes with some lovely black cherries herb influence. The palate has a tight firm tannin thread with a fleshy generous fruitiness. Multi-layered already with better things to come with cellaring.

ROB BROADFIELD The West Australian Fresh, Broadbrush

13 December 2012

Preveli Pinot Rose` 2012 Wild Thing

This was the clear winner. Good colour; subtle elegant nose; complexity and great "grip". All the judges agreed it had substantial length and best exhibited the Bandol style we were looking for. A fabulous summer-drinking wine.

RAY JORDAN'S 2013 Western Australian Wine Guide

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Best Value Wine.

SCORE 92/100

Uses a small amount barrel fermentation in the semillon but retains its fresh zingy mouth feel. Nice mix of lemon scents and tropical fruit with a touch if citrus on the
nose. lt's precise and pure on the palate with a long finish. Nice wine.

Wild Thing Pinot Rose` 2012

Best Of The West.

SCORE 94/100

This is a terrific rose. lt's more towards the drier style of Provence but with just a hint of fruit sweetness. A littte oak has been used in the fermentation of the pinot adding complexity and texture to the style. Strawberry and roses on the nose with a delightfuI mouth feel. Excellent style.

Wild Thing Sauvignon Blanc 2012

SCORE 90/100

Made in a different style to the standard fare for this variety. Wild yeast and French oak treatment has added to the complexity and textural components. lt's steely
and tight with a penetrating acid sustaining a Long finish. Nice background of melon and dried herbs.

Pinot Noir 2010

SCORE 93/100

Realty impressive pinot noir. lt combines finesse and power with lifted aromatics of strawberry and raspberry notes with some lovely black cherries herb influence.
The palate has a tight firm tannin thread with a fleshy generous fruitiness. Multi-layered already with better things to come with cellaring.

Cabernet Merlot 2010

SCORE 91/100

A wine that captures the character of this vintage rather well. Aromas of black currant and leafy tobacco characters. There is a nice hint of spices and herbs. The palate is tight and controlled with fine grained tannins and quality oak in support. lt's juicy in the middle palate.

JAMES HALLIDAY Australian Wine Companion 2013

Four and a half star winery rating

The wines are of consistently impressive quality

5 Glasses: Outstanding

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2010

RATING 94/100

Clear crimson; fragrant red berry fruits on the bouquet have a distinct overlay of mulberry, the palate picking up all of the calling cards of the bouquet, setting them in a medium - to full-bodied framework, juicy notes offset by quality French oak and fine tannins.  Has a great future.

4 1/2 Glasses:  Highly Recommended

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2011

RATING 93/100

Has straw-green colour, explained by the barrel fermentation of part of each of the varieties, with the remainder fermented in small stainless steel barrels; has comlex texture and flavour, the aromas and flavours ranging through passionfruit at one extreme, lemon curd and cashew at the other.  Top value and cellaring capacity.

Preveli Chardonnay 2010

RATING 93/100

RAY JORDAN The West Australian Fresh, Cellar Talk Sept 2012

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2012

This producer is making some excellent wines across the board.  The reds, in particular an impressive pinot noir, are consistently very good, while the whites show expert fruit handling.  This terrific blended white wine uses a small amount of barrel fermentation in the semillon but balances it to retain its fresh zingy mouth feel.  Nice mix of lemon scents and tropical fruit with a touch of citrus on the nose.  It's precise and pure on the palate with a long finish.  Nice wine.  Cellar 4 years. 92/100

Wine Showcase Magazine 2012

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2010

RATING 93/100

GOLD

Elegant nose of dense plums with earthy undertones. Luscious fruit on the palate with silky tannins. Very varietal ripe balck berry fruit aromas.  Nice supple palate with herbal notes that has good richness.

Pinot Noir 2009

RATING 91/100

SILVER

Youthfull vibrant wine with rich complexity.  Interesting berry aromas and a long textured palate give a huge mouthfull of flavour.

RAY JORDAN'S 2012 Western Australian Wine Guide

Pinot Noir 2009

SCORE 89/100

A light to medium bodied pinot with a firm tight structure and plenty of deep lingering flavour.  This has fleshed-out over the past year with added layers of complexity.  Those slightly sinewy tannins are still there in support but the fruit and palate has taken on a rather beautiful soft velvety texture.  Cellar 4 years.

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2011

SCORE 90/100

Opens with a pungent tropical herbaceousness on the nose showing touches of honeydew melon character.  Additional nuttiness comes from the French oak barrel fermentation bringing with it added complexity and depth.  There's a lime juice hint on the finish with a crisp acid sustaining things nicely.  Potential to improve and change with age.  Cellar 5 years.

Cabernet Merlot 2009

SCORE 93/100

These guys often slip under the radar when it comes to quality red wines in Margaret River and yet this perfectly formed and expertly made cabernet merlot blend is a beauty.  Lifted red fruits on the nose with a hint of leafiness.  The palate is soft and fleshy with fine chalky tannin and fine grained subtle oak in support.  Lingering sweet fruit intensity is held to a controlled long finish. Cellar 5 years.

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Best value, high quality value for money wine. 

WINESTATE Australia & New Zealand Wine Buying Guide May/June 2011

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2009

Nice combo of the varietal fruit.  With subtle use of oak.  It's juicy, flavoursome and chocolaty.

The Wine and Spirit INSIDER May/June 2011

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2009  

Lovely wine - all red fruit, spices and oak, with seamless integration of the vibrant varietal fruit with the oak.  A classic merlot! 5+

RAY JORDAN

The Australian West Wine Review Thursday July 28 2011

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2009

RATING 93/100

These guys often slip under the radar when it comes to quality red wines in Margaret River and yet this perfectly formed and expertly made cabernet merlot blend is a beauty.  Lifted red fruits on the nose with a hint of leafiness.  The palate is soft and fleshy with fine chalky tannin and fine grained subtle oak in support.  Lingering sweet fruit intensity is held to a controlled long finish.

WINE WITH PETER FORRESTAL

The Sunday Times Western Australia February 2010

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009

At their best, semillon sauvignon blanc or sauvignon blanc semillon are irresistible, easy drinking whites.  Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009 is lean and zesty with bright tropical characters and fresh, cleansing acidity.

MUST WINE BAR

Augusta Margaret River Mail December 2010

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2007

Recently we wrote of the new wave challenging the old guard here in Margaret River - winemakers who set the bar high and are now leaping headfirst over it with bubbling enthusiasm.  The same can be said of winemakers who are making different red wine styles;  wines that are not overtly fruity but instead offer texture, savoury characters and food friendly tannins.

The Preveli Cab Merlot 2007 fits that bill.  We were taken by the pure Cabernet aromas and dusty background oak, but the dense, compact and structured palate of sweet ripe fruit is the real star of the wine.  We see too many simple and fruity Cab Merlot blends come across our tasting bench, and they really leave us looking for more complexity.  The savoury/soy flavours in this wine cry out for food and it is easy but satisfying drinking;  exactly what you want from an affordable Cab Merlot blend.  In fact, the wine makes more 'sense' when coupled with food - lamb shanks would hit the nail on the head.

TONY LOVE

The Courier Mail Brisbane March 2010

Preveli Chardonnay 2008

Rating

Margs has its surf, its sauvignon/semillons and also elite chardonnay which this boutique family producer has done a smashing job with.

When chardonnay fruit picked at the right moment, smart French oak and thoughtful winemaking come together it's a joy.  Grapefruit, pear and creams with subtle texturals make for a smart chardy at a smart price. 

Great value and drinking well.

WINESTATE Australia & New Zealand Wine Buying Guide July/August 2009

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2007

Lifted, leafy, spearmint bouquet with a very attractive oak influence.  Has great palate weight, is very complex, has a tight structure and is loaded with truffle and chocolate-like flavours.

WINESTATE Australia & New Zealand Wine Buying Guide May/June 2008

Preveli Merlot 2003

A bigger, riper European style – quite developed. Nice concentration of varietal fruit and plenty of bright, fine tannins. Good drinking now.

Savoury and chocolaty on the nose.  Nicely textured palate beautifully balanced with great concentration of savoury-like flavours.

Preveli Merlot 2002

Pungent nose smelling of coffee grounds. Lively balance of sweet fruit flavours on a powerful tannic palate with a sweet end.

Preveli Pinot Noir 2007

Earthy beetroot aromas, slightly spirity with a nice spicy thread. Plum/cherry palate with savoury nuances and complemented by a tight tannin structure.

JAMES HALLIDAY Australian Wine Companion 2012

Four star winery rating

The wines are of consistently impressive quality

4 1/2 Glasses:  Highly Recommended

Preveli Chardonnay 2009

RATING 92/100

Bright colour; vibrant grapefruit, nectarine and toasty oak bouquet; the palate is zesty, lively and focused, with citrus acidity drawing out the finish; a tangy, yet highly flavoured style.

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2009

RATING 92/100

Highly polished and detailed bouquet of casis, redcurrant and clove; the palate is fleshy and fine, with oak playing a dominant role at this early stage; toasty, juicy and succulent to conclude.

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2010

RATING 90/100

A savoury blend of struck match, guava, nettle and straw; a fresh and lively palate, with texture driving the wine to an exotic and harmonious finish.

JAMES HALLIDAY Australian Wine Companion 2011

Four and a half star winery rating

The wines are of consistently impressive quality

5 Glasses:  Highly Recommended

Preveli Chardonnay 2007

RATING 94/100

A very harmonious and blanced chardonnay, covering all the bases; a whiff of oak on the bouquet is the main indicator of 11 months in French barrels, for the white flesh stone fruit and grapefruit of the palate are the dominant drivers of the wine.  A worthy successor to the '09.

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2007

RATING 93/100

Some development obvious in colour; a complex wine in terms of flavour and texture, both red and black fruits combine with French oak and fine tannins on the long finish; won the gold medal in its class Sheraton Wine Awards '09 (only one gold medal is awarded)  Nonetheless, just a little too oaky.

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2009

RATING 89/100

Very pale colour; a crisp, lively and gresh wine, with grassy lemony flavours of Semillon more obvious than any tropical chartacters from the sauvignon blanc.

JAMES HALLIDAY Australian Wine Companion 2010

Four and a half star winery rating

The wines are of consistently impressive quality.

5 Glasses : Highly Recommended:

Preveli Chardonnay 2007

RATING 94/100

Elegant, very well-balanced and structured wine; stone fruit and melon; good oak; nothing out of place.  Gold WA Wine Show ’08.

Preveli Pinot Noir 2007

RATING 90/100

Relatively light-bodied, and very much in a foresty/savoury/spicy spectrum, but has good length, and is not over-extracted.

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2008

RATING 89/100

Bright straw-green; has crisp citrus fruit extending into grapefruit territory; lively acidity on the finish prolongs the length.

JAMES HALLIDAY Australian Wine Companion 2009

Four and a half star winery rating

The wines are of consistently impressive quality

5 Glasses : Highly Recommended:

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2005

RATING 94/100

Good varietal intensity; cassis and cedar, and fine-grained tannins; quite fresh and lively on the finish, with understated elegant texture. 

Preveli Cabernet Shiraz 2005

RATING 90/100

Strong toasty  bouquet, with cassis and blackberry in the background; fleshy and quite dense finish. 

JAMES HALLIDAY

The Weekend Australian November 15-16 2008

"Chardonnays were the white wine standouts from 2007: three from Margaret River (Cape Mentelle, Devils Lair and Preveli), all with impeccable credentials from a region blessed with wonderful chardonnay."

JAMES HALLIDAY Australian Wine Companion 2008

Five star winery rating
Outstanding winery regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity
"The wines are of impressive quality."

5 Glasses : Highly Recommended:

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2006

RATING  94/100 
Crisp, clean and long; precise flavours of citrus, gooseberry and passionfruit linger in the mouth without cloying. Multiple show awards.
Also in the 'Top 20 in Australia'.

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2005

RATING  94/100 
Spotlessly clean; the Semillon provides a minerally backbone to the structure, sauvignon blanc giving tropical fruit overtones to a synergistic blend. Gold medal Sheraton Wine Awards ’05.

Preveli Chardonnay 2005

RATING  94/100 
Intense, archetypal top-class Margaret River chardonnay; crystal clear varietal character, with the usual Margaret River depth; nectarine and white peach fruit, subtle oak and good length.

4.5 Glasses : Recommended:

Preveli Merlot 2003

RATING  93/100   
A distinctive varietal example; spicy, savoury black olive fruit which is in no sense bitter or green.

Preveli Sauvignon Blanc 2005

RATING 90/100
Pale green-straw; a clean bouquet; notwithstanding the alcohol, good overall delicacy and balance to the gooseberry fruits and fresh finish.

Preveli Pinot Noir 2006

RATING  90/100   
Very impressive for the region, following in the footsteps of the ’03; good texture and mouthfeel of red fruits and touches of spice; possibly picked before the rain.

JAMES HALLIDAY Australian Wine Companion 2007

Four and a half star winery rating
Excellent producer of very high quality wines ... third year in a row!

"The wines are of impressive quality."

Highly Recommended:

Preveli Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

RATING 93/100  

“Attractive cedar and cigar box edges to strongly varietal blackcurrant fruit; slinky smooth and supple; lingering finish. Screwcap.” Drink 2012.

Preveli Pinot Noir 2003

RATING 92/100

“A surprise packet; has good varietal character and style; foresty/sappy undertones to small dark fruits; excellent length.  One of  the best Margaret River Pinots to date.”

Preveli Chardonnay 2004

RATING 90/100 

"Elegant, fresh and lively; light to medium bodied; gentle stone fruit and melon; subtle oak, good length and balance. Screwcap." Drink 2010.

Recommended:

Preveli Shiraz Cabernet 2003

RATING 89/100

"Light to medium bodied; strongly savoury/briary/spicy cool-grown style; fine-grained tannins. Screwcap." Drink 2010.  

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2004

RATING 88/100

Clean and fresh; herb, grass and mineral notes from the Semillon; has more length than depth.

Preveli Sauvignon Blanc 2004

RATING 87/100

Light-bodied, clean, fresh and crisp; lively and well-made, but lacks the fruit intensity for higher points.

JAMES HALLIDAY Australian Wine Companion 2006

Four and a half star winery rating
Excellent producer of very high quality wines.

"Andrew and Greg Home have turned a small business into a substantial one....The wines are of impressive quality."

Preveli Shiraz 2003

RATING 90/100

 “Layered texture; oak and tannins surrounding sweet fruit; clever winemaking.”   

JAMES HALLIDAY Australian Wine Companion 2005

Four and a half star winery rating
Excellent producer of very high quality wines.

"The wines are of impressive quality...”

Preveli Chardonnay 2003

RATING 93/100

Harmonious fusion of barrel ferment and malolactic influences; excellent balance of creamy and more citrussy/stone fruit/grapefruit flavours.

Preveli Merlot 2001

RATING 92/100

At the big end of the Merlot spectrum; a forceful and focused mix of black fruits, olives and spices; lingering tannins.

Preveli Cabernet Sauvignon 2001

RATING 91/100

Good colour; rich, ripe blackcurrant/cassis/mulberry fruit, touches of mocha and spice; fine, ripe tannins.

Preveli Reserve Semillon 2002

RATING 90/100

Complex and long; intense lemony/grassy fruit interwoven with subtle barrel-ferment French oak; good food style.

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2003

RATING 87/100

Sauvignon Blanc makes a big impact; typical regional, fractionally fuzzy ripeness; gooseberry/tropical fruit over the Semillon base.

Preveli Shiraz 2002

RATING 86/100

RAY JORDAN'S 2011 Western Australian Wine Guide

Sauvignon Blanc 2009

SCORE 87/100
A lively mix of fresh mown grass and herbal notes come together on the highly scented nose. The palate has richness and texture while retaining its essential fresh zippy flavour. The crisp acid and light touch of citrus tang helps. Cellar 2 years.

Pinot Noir 2009

SCORE 86/100
A light to medium bodied pinot with a firm tight structure and plenty of deep lingering flavour. The tannins are sinewy and the oak neatly integrated. The result is a seamlessly built wine with good flavour. Cellar - 4 years.

Cabernet Merlot 2007

SCORE 91/100
A classic Margaret River cabernet merlot with those intense leafy black currant aromas plus some black olive and savoury plum influence. The palate is robust and dense with excellent fruit concentration. Balanced and generous with a long finish. Cellar -10 years.

Red Blend No.5 Cabernet Merlot 2008

SCORE 86/100
This is a large format—ie twice the bang for your buck in the magnum-sized bottle. The fruit is excellent and balanced with a nice touch of sinewy oak. Flavoursome and showing good structure. Cellar - drink now

RAY JORDAN'S 2010 Western Australian Wine Guide

The Rosa Brook vineyard is a cooler sub-region of Margaret River and being more inland it has lower evening temperatures and cooling winds from the Indian and Southern oceans.  The aim is to make aromatic whites that allow the fruit purity to show through and well structured reds that are balanced food wines.  Significant vineyard rejuvenation and adoption of sustainable vineyard management has contributed to recent show success.

Preveli Chardonnay 2008

Score 91/100  

More full bodied and intense than the previous vintage.  Opens with a mix of peaches and cream with some nice cashew and grapefruit edges.  The deep and intense palate has some nice fine oak, influence.  Fine sustaining acid brings life to the finish which is long and impressive.

Cellar to 5 years

Preveli Pinot Noir 2008

Score 87/100     

Medium-bodied tightly structure pinot showing some subtle varietal characters of sour cherry and spice.  The fine tannins and fine grained oak add some palate support.  It’s still rather restrained but there is good fruit depth in there.  A medium term cellaring wine.

Cellar to 4 years

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2007

Score 91/100 

A classic Margaret River cabernet merlot with those intense leafy blackcurrant aromas plus some back olive and savour plum influence.  The palate is robust and dense with excellent fruit concentration.  Balanced and generous with a long finish.

Cellar 10 year

RAY JORDAN'S Guide to Western Australian Wine 2009

Preveli Chardonnay 2007

RATING 90/100

This is a delicate chardonnay sourced from the southern parts of Margaret River.  Has a restrained grapefruit and spicy, leesy character on the nose, which is initially appealing.  The oak is neatly integrated and allows some finely balanced fruit to persist to a long finish.  Love this style for current or short-term drinking as an aperitif.

Preveli Pinot Noir 2007

RATING 87/100

This is a pretty smart pinot noir.  There’s lots of interesting cherry and stewed fruit characters on the nose, merging seamlessly with some nice cedary oak.  The palate shows that cedary poking through some soft and supple fruit flavours.  A tighter style with some palate firmness.

RAY JORDAN'S Guide to Western Australian Wine 2008

"For this small producer, which sources fruit from the Rosa Brook sub-region, an early promising start was reflected in a number of wine show successes, including a trophy for best shiraz at the Sheraton Perth Wine Awards with the ’01 vintage, and later gold at the same venue for the 2005 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.

Subsequently the Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2006 won gold at the Small Winemakers Show, and the 2005 chardonnay a Gold at Mount Barker.

There’s a good range of wines from value-for-money to the premium end, with the reds in particular being very strong."

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007

RATING  92/100
Over the last few years these guys have been making some of the best sem sav blanc blends in Margaret River. This is a neat little update. Fresh and precise with lovely light tropical flavours with a gentle infusion of fresh grassiness. Terrific wine.

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2005

RATING  92/100
I liked the previous vintage but this is silkier and more refined with simply stunning palate structure. There’s finesse and elegance but plenty of mid-palate weight and power. Fine tannin. Nicely judged oak and supple seductive fruit. A great value wine.

RAY JORDAN'S Guide to Western Australian Wine 2006/07

“This small producer, which sources fruit from the Rosa Brook sub-region, made a promising start, with success at a number of wine shows including a trophy for the best shiraz at the Sheraton Perth Wine Awards with the ’01 vintage.  The success continued at the Sheraton Awards when the 2005 semillon sauvignon blanc struck gold.

The aim has been to reduce yields through minimal irrigation and other vineyard management practices, and produce styles that reflect this region just south of the Margaret River township.

There’s a good range of wines from value-for-money to the premium end, with the reds in particular being very strong.

Former Cape Mentelle winemaker John Durham has joined the team, and his depth of experience is certain to be felt.”

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2006

RATING 90/100

This previous vintage won Gold at the Sheraton.  This looks another beauty.  It’s certainly more delicate, in line with vintage, but there is real penetration on the palate.

Preveli Chardonnay 2005

RATING 84/100

Continues the finer style of chardonnay from previous vintages.  At the same time a complex mix of cashew and melon provides an appealing palate.

Preveli Cabernet Merlot 2004

RATING 91/100

Very elegant medium-bodied wine with a seamless palate.  Oak and fruit well integrated with fine ripe tannins and delicious fruit flavours.

Preveli Shiraz 2004

RATING 90/100

Savoury and spicy aromoas with some scented cherry and cedar.  The palate is still quite tight, though with a fineness and precise elegance that is very stylish.  Classy wine.

RAY JORDAN'S Western Australian Wine Guide 2005/06

”This small producer, which sources fruit from the Rosa Brook sub-region, has made a promising start, with success at a number of wine shows including a trophy for the best shiraz at the Sheraton Wine Awards with the ’01 vintage.

The aim has been to reduce yields through minimal irrigation and other vineyard management practices, and produce styles that reflect this region just south of the Margaret River township.

There’s a good range of wines from value-for-money to the premium end, with the reds in particular being very strong.”

Preveli Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2004

RATING 88/100

A very nice easy drinking wine with more herbal gooseberry character than the previous vintage.  There’s a real intensity that carries to a long finish.  Impressively made and holding excellent fruit flavours, nicely sustained with a crisp fine acid.

Preveli Chardonnay 2004

RATING 85/100

A delicate and quite restrained chardonnay, although it has complexity and a lingering flavour profile.  Mix of cashew and melon with some subtle melon.  Lively citrus tang.

Preveli Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

RATING 88/100

Continues the impressive run of cabernet for these guys.  This probably doesn’t have the raw intensity of the ’01 but it’s well balanced with a lovely palate weight and complex flavours.  Finely integrated oak and tannins completes a lovely wine.