Edwards Wines uncorks new vision with 'Ocean Series'

A vineyard with history, especially one with a strong sense of family, dedication, and toil to fulfil a dream, makes for great wine.

Wines made from deep roots lead to a complexity of flavour that goes beyond mere varietal characteristics. It’s wine with heart and soul.

Brian Edwards piloted his 1943 Tiger Moth Matilda from England to Australia in 1990 on a history-making epic journey for charity.

It also led him and his wife Jenny to Margaret River, where they purchased a plot of land and established the Edwards Estate in 1993.

Fast forward to 2024, and the Estate’s beautiful vines add a new layer to its story.

A chapter titled ‘Ocean Series’, and it’s a page-turner.

The Margaret River region is renowned for its pristine oceans, wild waves and world-class vineyards.

Edwards Wines took an innovative approach, drawing inspiration from the region’s coastal waters to embark on a bold, experimental journey that combines the craft of winemaking with the ocean’s mysterious qualities.

They carefully put to bed bottles of their finest Chardonnay and Cabernet to mature, resting 18 metres beneath the surface.

The ocean’s steady temperature, darkness, pressure, and perhaps even its spirit play a part in the wine’s ageing process.

Each bottle, in its aquatic cellar, is caressed by the currents that sculpt our coastline, contributing to the complex character of the wine.

Both daring enough to embrace the ocean’s depths in pursuit of oenological and produce excellence, Edwards Wines and Rare Foods combined forces to deliver an unforgettable evening flavoured with the pure essence of the South West.

After 14 months, the wines surfaced, and Wine Club members and Margaret River locals were invited to taste the 2022 Chardonnay alongside regional-themed canapés.

Local chef Glen Hagger, renowned for cultivating and using bush herbs and spices in his artistic culinary creations, expertly paired the newly released Edwards range with local produce and star abalone courtesy of Rare Foods.

The evening celebrated art in all its forms. Guests were greeted at the door with a glass of Edwards Sparkling to accompany them on their tour of the Russell Ord Gallery.

The first offering of the newly released Estate 2023 Chardonnay entered, paired with Paperbark smoked Spanish Maceral, Boab leaf cracker, Desert Lime mayo, and Beach Spinach.

The elegant 2022 ‘Oceans Series’ Chardonnay followed, with a dual delivery of Two Oceans Green Lip Abalone morsels. First up was Abalone with Maar, Melaleuca, Macadamia, and Sea Blight, beside a Crisp Rare Foods Green Lip Abalone with Coastal herb seasoning and Golden kelp.

The final two pairings sealed the deal. The new release Estate 2021 Shiraz crackled with Sticky Pork bites, Finger Lime soy caramel and Soft herb salad, followed by the Estate 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon with Marybrook lamb, Heirloom beetroot, Quandong jus and Crispy Saltbush.

“It was such a wonderful evening,” Fiona Edwards said. “Everyone was very excited to taste the 2022 ‘Oceans Series’ Chardonnay for the first time.

“The consensus was unanimous – it was delicious! It was elegant and creamy and paired perfectly with the Abalone.”

Tasting the ‘Oceans Series’ is not just a sensory experience; it’s a journey connecting the drinker to the elements, to the very edge of land, sea, and human ingenuity.

In this union, the story of Edwards Wines and Rare Foods Ocean Series finds its beating heart – a story of depth, complexity, and the pursuit of something extraordinary.

“We can’t wait to follow up next year with a similar event to highlight our 2022 ‘Oceans Series’ Cabernet, which is currently underwater and will be released in November 2024,” Fiona added.

For more info visit edwardswines.com.au