Walsh & Sons “Lola”
MARGaret river, australia | 2019
At Le Midi, we already know that our exploration of wines often traverses familiar European landscapes, yet sometimes, an extraordinary discovery emerges from lesser-known territories. Enter Walsh & Sons, a winery challenging norms and embracing uniqueness and innovation in winemaking hailing from the far western reaches of Australia’s Margaret River.
Led by married couple Ryan Walsh and Freya Hohnen, seasoned winemakers deeply rooted in viticulture—Freya hails from the founders of Cape Mentelle and Cloudy Bay, while Ryan's exploration spans France, the USA, Spain, and Switzerland—Walsh & Sons advocates for technique over technology, nurturing raw and authentic personalities in their wines. They are also deeply rooted in family and tradition dedicating all of their cuvées to the younger generation of family members who will one day take the reins of the winery.
I have always been drawn to Margaret River wines because of their finesse and restraint against the bigger, higher-octane wines from South Australia. They remind me more of Burgundy in their execution and typically the small community of wineries focus strictly on biodynamic and organic farming. The "Lola" Margaret River 2019 embodies the ethos of Walsh & Sons more lean approach to extraction and terroir-driven styles. Crafted by blending Syrah (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), and Grenache (15%), this wine redefines tradition. The Syrah and Cabernet, sourced from the eastern Margaret River's cooler nights and clay soils, exude intriguing aromatics, while the Grenache, from Burnside's unique micaceous black soils near the river-ocean intersection, contributes depth and profound minerality.
Their winemaking process involves handpicking the Syrah and Cabernet, fermenting them separately with a 20% whole bunch component which enhances the complexity and tannin weight. The Grenache is pressed straight to barrel, adding to the wine's aromatic allure and providing a refined finish. This unique blend presents a succulent, juicy profile— a harmonious interplay of red and black fruits, spice, and vibrant tones in a medium-bodied marvel.
"Lola" beckons those who seek the extraordinary winemaking with this playful blend. It promises an immersive journey into Margaret River's wines with limited availability and handpicked for our wine club members this month. Pair it with lamb stew or spiced zucchini to delve into the unique world of this family winery!