Mandoon Estate: Fortune Favours the Brave
Barry Weinman: 30th October 2020
Ryan Sudano must surely be one of the most fortunate winemakers in Australia. After all, how many winemakers get to design and build their dream winery from scratch as their first task upon joining a venture?
Mandoon Estate was established by the Erceq family in 2009 and the Swan Valley winery was completed in time for the 2010 vintage. Ryan was also fortunate to be given access to high quality fruit from which to craft the Mandoon range of wines. This includes a 100 year-old block of Verdelho attached to the winery, as well as the mature Bramley Research Station vineyard in Margaret River.
Whilst the Swan Valley and Margaret River vineyards provide the majority of the fruit, Shiraz is also sourced from Frankland River.
But luck is only part of the equation. None of this would count for much without a talented winemaker. In just 10 vintages, Ryan has established himself as one of Western Australia’s most successful winemakers, with 88 trophies (primarily in local wine shows) and 167 gold medals awarded to Mandoon Estate wines.
Mandoon Estate has also become somewhat of an oasis for visitors to the Swan Valley. The initial cellar door was opened in 2011, but the owners had bigger plans.
In 2014 an impressive new venue was opened, including a cellar door, brewery, function centre and restaurant. The addition of accommodation in 2017 completed the picture.
The latest wine releases are excellent. The 2016 Research Station Reserve Cabernet should be available in November.
Reviewed
Mandoon Estate– Block 1895 – Verdelho – 2020. The original 1895 plantings are the oldest Verdelho in WA. Opens with lifted pineapple and tropical fruits on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with excellent length and texture supported by zippy citrus acidity. Drink now or cellar for increased complexity. (17.5/20pts – $28).
Mandoon Estate – Reserve – Chardonnay– 2018. Perfectly ripe, but with cooler spectrum grapefruit and melon notes. The palate is mouth-watering, long and delicious, with zesty, lime-juice acidity driving the finish. A few years in bottle will allow the fruit to open, but a lovely drink now. From the cooler Karridale region. (18.3/20pts – $59).
Mandoon Estate – Research Station Reserve – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2016. Attractive red currant and blackberry fruit that is perfumed and lifted. Ripe berries flood the palate, supported by mint and gentle eucalypt. A wine of power and intensity, with super fine tannins leaving a drying finish, yet this remains remarkably seamless. (18.5+/20 – $TBC)