After just three vintages at Margaret River region winery Passel Estate, the accolades are beginning to flow.
The estate's 2017 Chardonnay was named a WOW Factor White in the 2019 Halliday Wine Companion supplement, and winemaker Remi Guise told the Mail that the early success was down to a short list of key ingredients.
"Climate, soil and the right people," Guise said.
"Without one the rest do not matter. Foresight, dedication and the immense personal investment by the Stimpsons into making premium wines without compromise, tied in with the pristine climatic hallmarks of the Wallcliffe subregion, old vines and ancient decomposed gravel soils are what make Passel Estate the success story that it is".
Born in Cape Province South Africa, Guise completed a BSc.(Agric.)(Viticulture & Oenology) in 2006 at the University of Stellenbosch.
He then took up a position as Assistant Winemaker at the Meerendal Wine Estate, a 300 year old estate in South Africa.
He first visited Margaret River in 2007 and never left, and this year was awarded 'Winemakers Choice' in the 2019 Young Gun of Wine awards.
Wendy Stimpson, who owns the winery with husband Barry, said receiving the Halliday nod was a thrill for the pair.
"It means a huge amount to both of us, not only because of the recognition from very respected wine critics but also because we love the wines ourselves.
"We have a vision to produce wines of exceptional quality that are a very pure expression of our beautiful vineyard and its stunning location; similarly our aim for visitors to our Tasting Room is to provide a special, authentic experience through which they can connect fully with the wines and the estate.
"We are also proud to be part of the Margaret River wine community and to be contributing in our small way to the growth in recognition as one of the great wine producing regions, not only in Australia but anywhere in the world."
Mrs Stimpson said the estate was only just beginning to show its true potential.
"The quality of the fruit is getting better every year as the vines grow older and the soil quality improves, mainly due to the hard work of our viticulture team and the investments we have made in the vineyard in the past 5 years.
"Similarly, our team continues to hone with each vintage their understanding of the unique qualities of our vineyard, enabling them to craft ever more stunning wines truly reflecting Passel Estate."
Remi Guise will lead the upcoming Winemaker's Long Table at Passel Estate on Saturday July 20th and 27th from 11.00am - 12.30pm.
The morning will start with a guided journey through the full range of wines, including the limited edition Lot 71 Reserve Syrah and Lot 71 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, before sharing a gourmet cheese and charcuterie platter and a complimentary glass of wine.
Very limited numbers are available for each Saturday. Tickets $60 per person; Wine Club members complimentary (booking still essential). Email tastingroom@passelestate.com or call 9717 6241.