Our Review
Craig Cotterell and partner Maria Bergstrom planted the 9.7ha Jilyara Vineyard in 1995, finishing the task the following year. Until 2017 the crop was sold to other producers in the region, but the game changed that year. They have 6.4ha of cabernet sauvignon, 0.9ha each of malbec and sauvignon blanc, 0.8ha of chardonnay, 0.4ha of merlot and 0.3ha of petit verdot. There are three tiers: at the top The Williams’ Block duo of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (incorporating small amounts of malbec and petit verdot) at $75; next comes the Heath Road banner ($35) with Chardonnay, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon (also including some malbec and petit verdot); the last group is Honeycomb Corner ($22) with a Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon (with some merlot and malbec), the price particularly appealing for the Cabernet. The packaging is very smart, a design-house dream, visually bringing together the local Noongar language of ‘Djilyaro’ for bee (there is a beehive at each corner of the block). Exports to NZ.
About
Our family-owned and operated vineyard is located in Wilyabrup, the heart of the Margaret River wine region. With the area’s perfect combination of the right soil and supreme climate, Jilyara has the terroir to grow fruit of outstanding quality.
The vineyard was planted 1995-1997 by the Cotterell family. With a north-south aspect and nestled within undulating valleys, it is protected from the elements behind a nature reserve, yet near enough to the ocean to hear the surf. In our nine hectare vineyard, we grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. After having produced grapes for twenty-three years supplying some of the area’s prime producers, we embarked in 2017 on an exciting venture in producing our own wine.
To produce the best possible fruit, we hand prune and pick our grapes with care. We shoot thin, leaf pluck and trim to ensure adequate air flow and light to provide a healthy micro-climate and to minimise the use of fungicidal sprays. Craig Cotterell, the owner-operator, does all of the spraying, netting, and mulching himself, and by using minimal contractor equipment he ensures a sound and disease free vineyard. Tillage and soil compaction is kept to a minimum, and our sheep graze the vineyard post-harvest promoting natural weed suppression. Craig has managed every aspect of the vineyard since the beginning and strives to grow grapes of superior quality. Our hands-on approach guarantees the viticultural practices are closely monitored.
Jilyara is also home to the Cotterell-Bergstrom family, a playground for their children and a space where they indulge in their passion for exceptional wine every day. Craig and his partner in crime Maria, along with their four children are all an integral part of the vineyard. ‘We feel truly lucky to be custodians of such a special piece of land’.
Specialities
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec
Cellar Door
Hours
By appointment only
Details are correct at time of writing
Please check winery website for up to date details
Stockist Information
Distribution Information
Claret & Co.
Stockist
Cellarbrations, Cowaramup; The River, Margaret River
Details
| Rating |
|
| Winemaker |
Kate Morgan, Laura Bowler |
| Established |
2017 |
| Dozens |
4000 |
| Vineyards (area) |
10 ha |
| Opening Hours |
By appt |
| Address |
2 Heath Road, Wilyabrup, WA 6280 (postal)
|
| Telephone |
(08) 9755 6575
|
| Website |
www.jilyara.com.au
|