Barry Weinman | August 2025
Flowstone was founded by the winemaking duo (and couple) Stuart Pym and Janice McDonald, both of whom had extensive experience in the Margaret River region. Day-to-day winemaking is overseen by Janice, with Stuart overseeing other aspects of the operation.
The home vineyard was planted in 2004, and they also source fruit from Karridale.
Like many in the region, the use of ceramic eggs alongside oak barrels has become part of the winemaking lexicon, along with extended lees work and careful barrel selection from cooperages like Louis Latour.
For me, the highlight is the “Queen of the Earth” range, which is sourced from specific vineyard blocks and represents the pinnacle of what Flowstone is trying to achieve.
REVIEWS
Flowstone Moonmilk Blend 2024
Perfumed, textured and pretty, with lovely mouthfeel to support. The gently viscous texture is a real highlight. Surprising length and persistence. The blend of Pinot Gris, Viognier, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc works well together, with each variety contributing a key part of the palate. Fermented in a combination of older oak and ceramic eggs. Excellent drinking on its own, or with Thai food. 13.5% alc.
Drink: Now | 92 points | $28
Flowstone Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Aromatic and bordering on pungent (in a good way). The lantana, gooseberry and tropical fruit notes positively leap from the glass. On the palate, this is much more restrained and textured, with the tropical fruit and refreshing acidity providing a taut palate expression. The mouthfeel is excellent, with no rough edges to speak of, and here is a refreshing coastal saline tang to close. A touch of barrel work has added depth and impact. A serious wine that would be best with food (herbed roast chicken comes to mind). From Karridale, fermented in 600-litre older oak barrels with 12 months on lees.
93 points | $36
Flowstone Queen of the Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2022
This is quite superb. The fruit is somewhat muted compared to the previous wine, presenting a more harmonious package. The palate is where the quality really shines. Seamless, textured, long, the palate transitions to a nutty, almond-like flavour that lingers for some time. The barrel work and supple phenolics are what set this wine apart in my view, adding texture and subtle viscosity. Comes from a specific plot in the Karridale vineyard, fermented in one 600-litre barrel with 18 months on lees and regular bâtonnage.
94-95 points | $63
Flowstone Pinot Gris 2025
Textbook aromas and flavours. Delicious ripe pear is a key feature, as is the supple, creamy texture. For all intents and purposes, this is seamless, with remarkable length of flavours. Spice notes add complexity to the bone-dry finish, with the depth of fruit driving the palate. I would drink this over the Sauvignon Blanc at this stage.
93 points | $36
Flowstone Chardonnay 2022
Taut, restrained, shy. Everything is here in terms of ripe fruit and winemaking inputs, but it is all quite tightly held together right now. Peach-like fruit is a feature. This is quite a serious wine where texture and mouthfeel take precedence over overt fruit. The oak is texturing and well-integrated. From the Karridale vineyard using Dijon clones 95 and 96. Barrel fermented with 30% new oak, the light toast oak adds texture and impact without overwhelming the fruit. Will depend on your palate preference.
94 points | $45
Flowstone Queen of the Earth Chardonnay 2022
The complex winemaking inputs are a feature here. Minerality, texture and density, but in a fine, restrained style that is suited to ageing. As with the standard Chardonnay, the medium toast oak plays a role on the finish, but this is in no way obtrusive. The length of flavours is notable, with subtle stone fruit characters building on the finish. Very smart winemaking. From the home block using Dijon clones, barrel fermented with 50% new oak and 18 months of malolactic fermentation. Four barrels came from Louis Latour cooperage.
95 points | $63
Flowstone Touriga Nacional 2022
This is very different and very good. Tar, earthy notes, coffee, chocolate. Dark fruit abounds. Savoury and incredibly slick, the tannins that are both significant and extremely well-polished. This would be a great pasta wine. From the home vineyard, this represents brilliant drinking. 14.0% alc.
94 points
Flowstone Queen of the Earth Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
This has everything that a standard Cabernet has, but just more of it. More fruit, more structure, more depth, more enjoyment. But this comes with a caveat. While supple, the tannins are firm and texturing and do ultimately shut down the fruit on the finish. From the home vineyard planted in 2004, the density of flavour is remarkable. This wine demands patience but will reward cellaring. 14.5% alc.
95 points