Overview
The name says it all. Landmark Australia reflects the Australian fine wine dimension – the ultra-premium collectables that are known and respected around the world. Landmark Australia is by definition neither inclusive nor self-selecting – it is the recognition of some of the leading wines from Australian estates for excellence in wine style and quality. Collectable, renowned ‘conversation’ wines that compare with the very best in the world.
The Big Picture - The Pursuit of Excellence
Landmark Australia wines invariably begin with special vineyard sites. A combination of unique microclimate and soil, and the most appropriate choice of grape variety to express the potential of this site, the wines made usually have their homes in established regions of Australia. They tend to be produced from the classic varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Riesling and Chardonnay, as these varieties have had some of the longest viticultural heritage in the pedigree regions. The age of the vines can help their cause, and it is often low-yielding or dry grown old vineyards that produce grapes with the required intensity of flavour and concentration to make Landmark wine.
High profile, distinguished Australian wines built on inherent quality and world class reputation.
Wines With Detail
Excellence in the vineyard is often coupled with a passion by the winemaker to pursue quality at all costs. Landmark Australia wines are built on the single-minded pursuit of quality and the aim to stimulate debate and interest. Landmark Australia wines have a philosophy behind them that informs the decisions of skilled and focussed winemakers. It is an approach unfettered by cost management concerns, and driven only by best-practice pursuit of quality.
One of the advantages of Landmark Australia wines is the taster’s ability to pick its origin, a theme shared by most fine wines of the world. If the beginning of the Australian wine experience is about accessible brands with an aspect of instant gratification, Landmark Australia is about uncovering the detail that lies behind fine wine expression: variety, site, structure and complexity. These wines often have good ageing potential and their consistent and proven track record will help build a reputation that will be followed from collectors around the world. They are, almost by definition, produced in smaller quantities and purchased to complement the fine dining or exclusive tasting experience.
Landmark Australia Brand Temple
Endorsing the Best
The informed advice of Australian commentators and critics will help establish the evolving range of Landmark wines. Constantly tasting and reviewing wines allows judgement calls on the relative merit and place of a particular wine. The wine show circuit also plays its part, trophies and gold medals usually bestowed on deserving wines of quality. Third-party recommendation is how the wines establish their reputation initially, but what is never in dispute are the qualities of structure, finesse, complexity and concentration.
The pursuit of excellence is rarely cheap, and although some commentators will refer to some of our Landmark wines as being relative bargains on the world scale given their inherent quality, their price is at the upper end of the market.
A Case in Point - Robert Mann, Senior Winemaker, Cape Mentelle Vineyards – Margaret River WA
“A great wine is not made it is firstly conceived and then over time with the many influences of climate, soil, personalities, and experience, the fundamentals are laid to consistently produce a wine with an individualism and expression not only of a high standard but one which is distinctly different from any other. This is what makes a ‘Landmark’ wine and it does not come easily nor is it guaranteed.
The trustee of a great terroir can not lay idle and assume having pedigree will simply translate to greatness. After inheriting the tools it is the team that constantly strives for improvement, are style leaders not followers, have a diverse range of influences and can take criticism constructively that can hope to one day approach perfection.
I see the winemaker’s craft as one of a keen observer of nature’s business. This involves every aspect of a wines production from how it is grown, when and how it is harvested, what is done in the winery, and how the wine evolves over time. The personality of a wine should be a reflection of the inherent qualities of the fruit and the restraint shown by the maker in allowing those to be expressed. The use of oak and the many other options a winemaker has at hand in the evolution of a wine either enhance or detract from a wines potential and it is the unique combination employed by the maker that ultimately dictates a wines quality and consistency. The craftsman of great wine must plan for longevity and hope to achieve it.”
Contemplation amongst the vines at Cape Mentelle
Summary
High profile, renowned Australian wines built on inherent quality and world class reputation. Landmark Australia showcases Australia’s fine wines of distinction. These are the Australian wines to which we all aspire. They are not necessarily old wines, but they are wines with a story to tell that reflect an uncompromising pursuit of viticultural and winemaking excellence. One of the most exciting aspects of the Australian category is that we are yet to discover the best wines. Our relatively modern wine industry as compared to the tradition of the Old World and our constant innovation and experimentation can only lead to an exciting future for Australian wine.