Margaret River - Western Australia

After a much publicised birth in the early 1970s, prompted in part by research by Professor Harold Olmo but more importantly by that of Dr John Gladstones in 1965, the Margaret River seemed to briefly lose its momentum in the latter part of the 1980s before emphatically regaining it in the 1990s. Today it is one of the most vibrant - and popular - wine regions in Australia, with an exceptional range of restaurants, places to stay and things to do and see. Initially regarded as a producer of powerful yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, it has since also forged a great reputation for its white wines (notably Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc), but in truth is capable of producing all the classic varietal wines.

Climate
The climate is strongly maritime influenced, more so than any other major Australian region. It has the lowest mean annual range of only 7.6C, and for good measure has the most marked Mediterranean climate in terms of rainfall, with only 200 mm of the annual 1160 mm falling between October and April. The low diurnal and seasonal temperature range means an unusually even accumulation of warmth; while spring frosts are very rare and highly localised, lack of winter dormancy and salty spring winds can cause problems unique to this region. Overall the climate is similar (in terms of warmth) to that of Pomerol and St Emilion in a dry vintage; hence the quality of its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and so forth