Wines Margaret River Robert Oatley - Signature Series - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Robert Oatley’s Signature Series from 2022 is a red wine crafted in the renowned Margaret River region of Western Australia. This cuvée represents a select blend of classic Bordeaux varieties, often dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and sometimes Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The 2022 vintage benefited from a season characterised by mild temperatures and timely rains, resulting in balanced ripening and expressive fruit flavours. Vinification typically involves cold soaking to extract colour and tannins, followed by fermentation in stainless steel with maceration on skins, and maturation in French oak to add structure and complexity while preserving Margaret River’s distinctive varietal purity.

Margaret River is one of Australia’s most respected wine regions, celebrated for its maritime climate, gravelly loam soils, and proximity to the Indian Ocean. These factors allow for a prolonged, gentle ripening season, contributing finesse and freshness to the wines. Since the 1960s, pioneers in Margaret River have drawn inspiration from Bordeaux, creating reds that balance New World fruit with Old World sophistication. The soils—predominantly ancient, free-draining laterite and gravel—impart a distinct mineral edge that further elevates the elegance of these wines.

For food pairings, this wine’s structure and plush fruit notes make it a wonderful match for red meats such as roasted lamb or aged ribeye steak. Classic dishes like rosemary-infused lamb rack or chargrilled kangaroo fillet highlight the wine’s rich texture and aromatic complexity. Regional Australian cheeses, such as a mature cheddar or an aged blue, also complement the wine’s depth. For a local touch, serve alongside Margaret River venison, slow-cooked to accentuate both the wine and the dish’s character.

To fully appreciate the Signature Series’ bouquet of blackcurrant, cassis, gentle oak spice, and firm tannins, serve the wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour before serving can help open up its expressive fruit and subtle savoury notes, ensuring a harmonious and memorable tasting experience.