Credaro
Barry Weinman: 28th November 2019
Credaro may not be a household name here in Perth, but the Credaro family is well known in the Margaret River region. In 1922, the family emigrated from Italy and established a farm in Carbanup, in the northern part of the region and have been there ever since.
Having grown grapes and made wine from a small vineyard on the property for many years, the family established their first commercial vineyard in 1988.
With a focus primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Shiraz, Credaro built a reputation for supplying quality grapes to a number of producers in the region.
In 1999, the family almost doubled the size of their grape growing business, with the purchase of a 37-hectare nearby property that had established vineyard.
Subsequent purchases have resulted in the family owning seven vineyards across the region, totalling an impressive 140 hectares.
Given the size of the vineyard holdings, supplying grapes is clearly still a key part of the business, but in 2009, the family took the plunge and started the Credaro winery and brand. All wines are made on site, with Trent Kelly being the chief winemaker since 2017.
Given their access to high quality fruit, it should be no surprise that the wines are good. But I was surprised at just how good they were.
Tasted in line-ups including some of Margaret River’s best producers, the wines showed very well indeed. The 1000 Crowns Chardonnay and Cabernet were standouts, ably supported by the more approachable Kinship range.
Reviewed
Credaro – Chardonnay – 1000 Crowns – 2018 (18.6/20pts – $65). Whilst initially taut and restrained, this opens up to show stone fruit, pineapple and citrus notes. The finish is complex and creamy, aided by supple barrel ferment and lees notes. Brilliant balance a highlight. Now – 10 years. Spent 8 months is French oak (30% new), with wild ferment and regular battonage.
Credaro – Chardonnay – Kinship – 2018 (18/20pts – $35). Whilst not as dense as the 1000 Crowns, this is a very complete wine. Fine and elegant fruit has been expertly managed in the winery, resulting in a supple, approachable, wine that is fresh and fruit driven, with excellent length of flavours. The quality fruit and supple winemaking has resulted in an excellent drinking wine.
Credaro – Cabernet Sauvignon – 1000 Crowns – 2017 (18.5/20pts – $85). I love the fruit here: Redcurrant, with a hint of cassis. This remarkably polished wine is vibrant and approachable. Tucked away in the background though, there is serious oak, tannins and structure, the latent power palpable. A superb wine.
Credaro – Cabernet Sauvignon – Kinship – 2018 (18/20pts – $35). This has serious fruit on the nose. Quite dense, powerful and compact, with eucalyptus and blackcurrant notes. The palate is firm, though the blueberry fruit has enough depth to shine. Polished enough to drink now with a good steak, but definitely age-worthy.