2023 Halliday Wine Companion Awards
The Halliday Wine Companion is recognised as the industry benchmark for Australian wine. The prestigious wine panel take the time to give their honest opinion on over over 9000 of Australia’s best wines.
This year, Fermoy was awarded a 5 Red Star winery rating and exceptional scores across our range of wines. Four of our wines were rated as "outstanding" including our 2020 Reserve Chardonnay, 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 2021 Fumé Blanc.
2020 Reserve Chardonnay, 96 points
The 2020 Reserve Chardonnay was awarded 96 points by Erin Larkin, Wine Companion judge.
"Of all the Fermoy wines, the Reserve Chardonnay was the wine I was holding out to see. My memory of previous vintages is of acidity so finely woven into the fruit that the affair becomes succulent and juicy, chewy and satisfying. It brings a smile to the face. As this does. Concentrated, classical, a little bit creamy, a little bit nutty, definitely spicy and voluminous in its powerful fruit explosion in the mouth. It won't always be just $65, though we can hope it will."
2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 96 points
The 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 96 points by Erin Larkin, Wine Companion judge.
"00% Houghton clone from Wilyabrup. Hand picked from 35yo vines, partial wild ferment, 3 weeks on skins, matured in French oak for 18 months (57% new). Houghton clone + Wilyabrup = a great match. Somehow the dirt and sky here combine with the clone to produce a decidedly red, supple, succulent style of cabernet. Also, it must be said here, Fermoy is on the up: watch this star rise. This is precisely as we hope: bright, spicy, layered with raspberry, pomegranate, red licorice and pink peppercorn. In the mouth it is exactly thus, with the added bonus of spring flowers, crushed graphite and Pink Lady Apples."
2021 Fumé Blanc, 95 points
The 2021 Fumé Blanc was awarded 95 points by Erin Larkin, Wine Companion judge.
"Local artist Alice Linford-Forte was commissioned to paint the beautiful labels. Coldfire represents the Noongar practice of controlled burning. Comprising 50% new oak, 50% skin contact (fermented in old puncheons); matured 6 months then blended. The skin-contact component is really clear here and it is glorious. There is orange zest, soft orange blossom, nougat, cardamom, cumin, brine, white peach, turmeric, toasty oak and poached apples and rhubarb. 'Clementine, lavender, kernel' says the back of the bottle: apt. This is ethereal and fully integrated ... totally awesome. Brilliant."
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, 95 points
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 95 points by Erin Larkin, Wine Companion judge.
"100% cabernet sauvignon, Houghton clone. Matured for 18 months in French oak (36% new). You know when you spot Houghton clone from Wilyabrup that you're in for a succulent, red-fruited time. It's a combination of the clone and the dirt, and it's good. While the oak is initially prominent now, the fruit behind it is precisely as expected – singing. This may need a little more time for the oak to recede, however the fruit is bang-on, and the tannins are a highlight. Gorgeous."