Turning a New Leaf on Amberley
Why has Amberley changed its image?
Spring 2005 marks the release of the new signature image for Amberley Estate, one of Margaret River ’s leading wineries.
The flagship range carries the company’s new emblem – a striking golden tree with graceful spreading branches and delicate leaves, which signifies both the origins and growth of Amberley.
The first wines to be released with the striking new label are the Amberley Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2005, Shiraz 2003 and Sauvignon Blanc 2005.
In the ever-competitive Australian wine industry, it is vitally important that prestige brands carry and express the company’s ethos and values. That was the brief to Perth-based Turner Design and to the advertising agency Gatecrasher that together are responsible respectively, for the Amberley brand and a revitalized communications strategy.
The major face-lift has been instigated by Vincor Australia who acquired the winery in April 2004. The strategic aim is to reposition Amberley as one of the Margaret River ’s finest quality producers.
The Amberley Chenin Blanc, a long-time favourite amongst many Perth wine drinkers, now carries the name ‘Chimney Brush’, along with a new more contemporary label featuring the familiar grass tree known fondly at the winery as the ‘Chimney Brush’.
COMPANY BACKGROUND
Amberley Estate was established in the northern part of the Margaret River wine region in 1986 by a group of investors, led by viticulturist Albert Haak. Albert was briefed to identify prime viticultural land within the region, and his search led him to an area of loamy gravel soils, plenty of water and a favourable northerly aspect – perfect wine growing country.
Not only was it prime land for viticulture but was also one of the most beautiful locations in the Yallingup area, nestled in undulating valleys just minutes from the pristine beaches of Geographe Bay.
The first vintages were released in 1990, and since that time, Amberley has earned a solid reputation as one of Margaret River’s most popular wineries. Currently, the Amberley Chimney Brush Chenin Blanc is Australia’s top selling Chenin Blanc and around 65,000 cases are produced a year. At the premium end of the spectrum, Amberley has won international accolades for its Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
THE RESTAURANT
When you visit Amberley, you want to drink it, eat it, live it and share the natural beauties the region offers. Vines and indigenous trees live in harmony on the hillside facing the restaurant; this takes care of one of your sense while the wine and food takes care of the rest.
A relationship between wine and food has always existed, since the first bottle of wine was consumed, people have combined it with the earthly delights of food. Amberley uses it's wines as a base for the meal, combining both pleasures. Amberley is dedicated to sourcing and using freshest local ingredients; to creating truly innovative and unique regional and seasonal dishes. This philosophy seems to increase gastronomic enjoyment levels to new heights.
THE VINEYARDS
The majority of vineyards are situated in the northern part of the Margaret River region and are typified by rich loam and gravel soils. The proximity of Geographe Bay has a profound moderating and cooling influence during summer when the winds have the potential to damage and burn the vine canopy and fruit.
Sites have been chosen with easterly and north easterly facing slopes to enable vines to capture morning sunlight when they're most active and minimise heat stress from the afternoon sun.
Fruit is sourced from around 20 contract growers as well as estate vineyards.
Quick Facts
ANNUAL PRODUCTION
Approximately 120,000 cases
70% white, 30% red
DISTRIBUTION
Domestic: 80%
Export: 20%
MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS
UK, USA, Canada, Japan and South-East Asia
Key wines in the Amberley range
Amberley Estate offers a varied range of wines which is enjoyed around the world. Each wine has it’s own unique style and taste distinctive to the Margret River region. Listed below is Amberley’s contemporary core range of wines:
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2005
The wine has a pale straw colour. The aroma is a mixture of leafy spearmint, tropical stonefruits and pineapple within an elegant floral background. The palate is a luscious blend of citrus lime and exotic tropical kiwi-fruit flavours. The cleansing acidity balances the wine providing a refreshing and soft finish.
HARVEST NOTES
The Sauvignon Blanc harvest commenced on 28 February and was completed on 8 March. Fruit was in pristine condition with good acidity and bright flavours. Average yield was 11 tonnes per hectare, with baume around 12.5 degrees.
SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC 2005
The wine has a brilliant clarity with a light straw colour. Lemon fresh honey-suckle aromas combine elegantly with mineral-like characters. Further complexity is shown by the subtle charry cashew nut characters derived from the partial barrel fermentation. Zesty acidity supports the wine structure resulting in a rounded smooth mouth-feel with a delightful soft but lingering finish.
HARVEST NOTES
The Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc harvest commenced on 25 February and was completed on 15 March. Fruit was in pristine condition with good acidity and bright flavours. Average yield was 11 tonnes per hectare, with baume around 12.0 degrees
CHARDONNAY 2004
The wine has a light straw colour. The aromas are a complex blend of honeydew melon, golden delicious apple, peach and subtle toast from barrel ferments. The palate shows lingering melon, butterscotch, peach and cashew nut flavours supported by a creamy mouthfeel on the finish and well balanced by zesty acidity.
HARVEST NOTES
The Chardonnay harvest commenced on the 2nd of March and was completed on the 18th of March. Fruit was in pristine condition with good acidity and bright flavours. Average yield was 8 tonnes per hectare, with baume around 12.5 degrees.
SHIRAZ 2003
The 2003 Amberley Shiraz is deep red in colour with a cherry hue. The wine has blackcurrant, violets and spicy oak aromas with a hint of coffee. Luscious blackcurrant, mint chocolate and cherry ripe flavours continue on the palate supported by dry dusty tannins.
HARVEST NOTES
Shiraz was harvested from the 15th of March to the 29th of April. Fruit was in pristine condition with good acidity and bright flavours. Average yield was 8 tonnes per hectare, with baume around 14.0 degrees.
CABERNET MERLOT 2003
The wine is dark red in colour with a brick-red hue. The aroma consists of raspberries, ripe cherries, dark chocolate with some earthy spice. Rich red fruit and plum flavours show on the palate, supported by some charry toasted oak. The wine finishes with powdery tannins leaving a drying finish.
HARVEST NOTES
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot was harvested from the 13th of March to the 23rd of April. Fruit was in pristine condition with good acidity and bright flavours. Average yield was 8 tonnes per hectare, with baume around 12.5 degrees.
