Gilberts Wines & Their Devilish Great Southern Tipples
As you have no doubt seen on the blog and my social media channels, Mr. Spittoon and I headed south a few weeks ago for Taste Great Southern. We left our home in the Swan Valley first thing Friday morning and perfectly timed our trip so we’d rock up at the first cellar door at opening time. In fact we arrived at the Gilberts Wines cellar door 5 minutes before they opened – just a touch over eager!
The Gilberts Wines cellar door is about 18kms north of Mt Barker (a 10-15 minute drive) so it makes sense to stop in when the cellar door is right on Albany Highway. They also have an onsite cafe which would make the perfect lunch spot if you’re heading south to Albany or Denmark.
I’ve become very familiar with the Gilberts wine range having tasted it at many events like Cellar Door in the City and Raising Riesling. The family run vineyard and winery is no new player to the Great Southern. It was great to finally be able to make it to the cellar door and chat with Clint (one of the 3 sons) further about Gilberts Wines, their history and the WA wine industry.
Who are the Gilbert’s?
The Gilbert family started planting wine grapes in 1985. They come from a farming background (fourth generation farmers to be exact) – so working with the land is something that definitely runs in the family. Prior to getting into grape-growing, the Gilbert’s were known for their apple farming and as Clint explained to us – they still get locals popping in for apples!
Jim & Bev Gilbert have 3 sons and with each son, another block of grapes was planted. The Gilbert’s currently produce Riesling, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon on the property alongside having a bountiful veggie garden that had me green with envy when we drove in.
You’ll notice the range is very much dedicated to celebrating their fabulous family with range names like the ‘3 Lads’ and the ‘3 Devils’ (obviously these are referring to the 3 brothers).
I also have to mention the beautifully designed Rose label – this is thanks to Mrs. Gilbert who decided to add some femininity to the range seeing as the family is very much male dominated!
The Cellar Door
The cellar door is in this beautiful rustic cottage which looks out over the vineyard, culinary garden and out to the Porongorups. There is a beautiful rotunda down from the cellar door which was built especially for a wedding – what a beautiful spot to get married!
It really has such a laid-back charm to the property that made me want to sit down with a bottle and relax the afternoon away. As it was particularly chilly the morning we were there, I was eyeing up the log fire and a bottle of the reserve Shiraz – bliss!
At the cellar door you can taste through the full range of wines on offer. It may be pretentious of me, but when a cellar door or cafe/restaurant have decent glassware – it makes me one happy lady! Tastings at the Gilberts cellar door are served up in Plumm glassware, which really makes the wines shine.
We had a fabulous time talking to Clint and hearing more about the Gilbert family’s journey into viticulture – next time we will definitely be stopping in for lunch!
The Wines
I have always been a sucker for the Gilberts Rieslings – they make such a beautifully crisp Riesling which really shows how awesome Great Southern fruit can be, particularly Riesling. I am also very happy that my local (Chateau Guildford Cellarbrations) stocks it, so thankfully I can drink it fairly frequently.
While at the cellar door, both Mr. Spittoon and I couldn’t go past the below 3 wines – they were definitely our favourites on this particular visit and I will be adding all my tasting notes below as we make our way through them:
- 2015 Hand Picked Chardonnay
- 2016 Dry Shiraz Rose
- 2012 Reserve Shiraz
If you get a chance to try any of the Gilberts Wines, please jump on the opportunity for your palate’s sake and if you’re heading south, make sure to stop in and say hi!
Tasting Notes
Gilberts Estate 2016 Riesling
Taste Great Southern starts this week so it’s only natural a wee Great Southern tipple was in order to celebrate. I’ve tried various vintages of the Gilbert’s Riesling at numerous wine festivals so when I spotted it for a twenty dollar note at the Chateau Guildford Cellarbrations – I couldn’t resist!
It’s yellow with a green hue on the eye with a super fresh and vibrant bouquet full of peas in the pod, limes and it simply made me think of all yummy green things! In the mouth it’s uber smooth yet refreshing with flavours of apples and candied lemons. It’s a beauty!
All opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy!
Gilberts Estate 2015 Hand Picked Chardonnay
Our first stop on our trip down south was at the @gilbert_wines_3devils cellar door on Albany Highway just before Mt Barker and what a great start to the trip it was. Clint took us through a tasting of the range and this 2015 Hand Picked Chardonnay was a definite winner for $25.
Crisp golden yellow colour on the eye with whiffs of honeydew melon, vanilla spiced pears and crisp citrus rising up from the glass. In the mouth it has a silk-like creamy texture with candied lemons, fresh white peaches and a touch of vanilla coming through. Delectable!
All opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy!
Quick Facts about Gilberts Wines:
Address: 30138 Albany Hwy, Kendenup WA 6323
Phone: (08) 9851 4028
Email: [email protected]
Opening times: 10am-5pm Friday to Monday (or by appointment)
Wine Styles/Grape Varieties: Riesling, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine tasting cost: Free
Child friendly: Lots of space outside for kids to muck around
Food: Yes, they have a cafe, find out more here
Website: www.gilbertwines.com.au
