Michael Kerrigan, formerly a radiographer by trade, saw the light and went on to become the highly acclaimed winemaker of Madfish and Howard Park. When the vineyards he coveted in Margaret River’s oldest sub-region of Willyabrup Valley finally came up for sale he leapt at the chance to fulfil his dream of making his own style of boutique wines, according to him, it was in a moment of madness that became the owner/winemaker of Hay Shed Hill Winery.
Since the launch in 2006 this much lauded winemaker has worked hard, getting to know every inch of his land intimately and nurturing his old vines. He has consistently produced wonderfully pure wines that truly represent this unique terroir. Winemaking is his passion and the reception of his wines on the international arena took this modest man by surprise.
“…this place was planted right; the right varieties on the right slopes with the right soils. And it was planted back in 1973 so we have the advantage of working with truly mature vines…” Michael Kerrigan, Winemaker
Location
Margaret River
Australia
Key Facts
James Halliday 5 Star Winery
Mike Kerrigan: former finalist for the coveted national
Qantas Winemaker of the Year award
Hay Shed Hill
Michael’s premium wines are named after the old hay shed that has stood since the 1920’s when the estate was a dairy farm. The grapes are chosen from the best sites on his estate where attention is paid to the slightest variation of gradient so only those vines with the optimum sunshine; soils and exposure are chosen for the Hay Shed Hill label. The low yielding vines give concentration and complexity to these wines helping them reflect the cool region and vineyard. These wines are beautifully crafted and are ideal companions to food.
Chardonnay 2011 – A rich tapestry of ripe fruit, enervating acidity and a wonderfully
creamy, smoky oak which adds a further dimension of toasted
hazelnut to this complex and bold wine. 92 Points James Halliday
Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 – “Strong purple-crimson; estate-grown, open-fermented, and 18 months in French oak are the bones; the flesh is beautifully juicy and succulent red berry fruits finishing with fine tannins.” 96 Points James Halliday
Shiraz 2010 – An amazing wine that envelops you in deep dark fruit, violets,
hints of garam sala spice and a wonderfully fragrant aroma of earthy, savoury game. The tannins are perfectly ripe, structured silk making this a wine that is mouth watering from the nose through to the lingering and elegant finish.Luscious dark plums and black cherries are complemented by silky chocolate and subtle notes of sweet spice and subtle oak. Elegant and refined, this wine has charm by the bottle load. 93 Points James Halliday