Barry Weinman – May 2026

Richard Rowe is not a household name when it comes to great Australian wine, but he should be. For more than 50 years, he has been instrumental in crafting some of Australia’s finest wines during stints at wineries including Leasingham, Evans & Tate and KWV.

Rumour has it that, after retiring to the Margaret River region of Western Australia, his children talked him into starting a boutique winery in the region. The results are spectacular.

2024 was the inaugural vintage, and the cabernet is fantastic. As good as the 2024 Karridale Chardonnay is, I prefer the soon-to-be-released 2025 from Wilyabrup.

What is most remarkable is the value these wines offer. At $60 per bottle, they are terrific bargains, especially given the tiny volumes produced.

Please try a bottle and let me know what you think.

Reviewed

Rowe — Gin Gin Clone — Wilyabrup — Chardonnay — 2025
OMG. This is the real deal. Subtle, fine and elegant, yet incredibly powerful and intense at the same time. Ripe stone fruit comes to the fore, while the acidity drives the finish, though it never becomes intrusive. Rather, it confers flashes of pineapple across the palate. A wonderful wine and one that I would love to drink. A bargain. The wine was aged in French oak (30% new). 13.0% alc | 96pts | $60

Rowe — Single Site — Cabernet Sauvignon — 2024
This is something quite special. Whilst the pristine fruit is the main story, it is the silky palate feel that elevates this to the next level. The berry fruit is perfectly ripe and succulent, with the fine acidity acting as a key ally, adding drive and focus along the length of the palate. But it is the finish that earned this wine a gold medal. So fine, elegant and supple, with brilliant texture and a real sense of occasion. Perfumed, fragrant and near seamless.

Fruit comes from the Wiberry Vineyard in Wilyabrup. The wine spent 13 months in oak (30% new) from French cooper Tonnellerie Bossuet. This is a tremendous bargain, especially given the tiny production. 14.0% alc | 96pts | $60