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 and 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 is Michael’s opening range of wines which are modern and honest in character, boasting elegant, pure, fruit and a real sense of place. His gregarious personality certainly shines through in these ‘devilishly good wines’ which make you yearn to pop another shrimp on the ‘barbie’ and crack open a bottle or two. The range shows Margaret River’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, as well as a single varietal Chardonnay and Shiraz.
Location
Margaret River
Australia
Pitchfork
Chardonnay – Cool, structured and fresh, this Chardonnay has ripe citrus notes with hints of fresh pineapple and a wonderful core of acidity running through its spine. There is no oak on this wine just pure, unadulterated fruit.
Semillon/Sauvignon – Made from 60% Semillon and 40% Sauvignon, this wine possesses intensely flavoured, pristine fruit with a clean and zippy palate and fresh fruit flavours of lemon, passionfruit and pineapple.
Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – Incredibly elegant with superbly ripe dark fruit and beautifully subtle hints of rosemary and mint, typical of Margaret River Cabernet. The tannins are ripe and the seductive smoky edge of oak is beautifully integrated.
Shiraz – 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.
Awards
Pitchfork Cabernet Merlot 2010 - 93 Points James Halliday.
Pitchfork Shiraz 2010 - 90 points, James Halliday