The Auswine Forum

"Heron Lake?", I hear you ask. This was a small producer at the extreme north end of the Margaret River wine region, and unfortunately the vines have been grubbed out and the land sold for a substantial housing development near the town of Vasse. Vines were planted from the early 1980s, and Heron Lake produced some very good Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in its day. The Chardonnay was my 'house white' for a long period around 2009. The last vintage released was the 2006, and I shared the last bottle about 4 years ago.

This is my last bottle of the 'Family Reserve' 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. Decanted an hour before service, it's red/purple in colour. There's some savoury development on the nose along with cocoa powder, cedar, spice, blackcurrant and hint of eucalypt. The palate is where this really shines, however. A rich and supple palate with floods of red berries and dark stone fruits, strong supporting acid, and fine but grippy tannins before a long finish.

At the time, I think the RRP was around $25, and this was an absolute bargain then. It's still alive and kicking at 10 years, and I sincerely regret that this is my last bottle. But I don't regret opening it.

Cheers
Allan

I remember when we moved to Margaret River in late 2006, sea-change style, straight off the plane from Sydney, picked up a pre-purchased crappy second hand Camry and hit the highway south. Heron Lake was the first winery sign we saw on the roadside to indicate we'd made it to the promised land! (apart from Capel Vale of course Allan, but that doesn't count because it's in Geographe...!) Never went there of course as is the way, but thanks for the memory.

Cheers

Dave S