The Karridale Vineyard 'Three Hills'

Karridale is at the southern end of the Margaret River region, just 14 km north of Augusta. The climate and soils are different to that of Dunsborough. The soils are more recently derived from granites whereas the Dunsborough they are thinner lateritic residuals with the granites normally at greater depth.  Dunsborough has three times the heat load above 22 degrees C in the ripening month for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that is experienced in Karridale.

Standing on Hill Three looking at Hill Two

There are still areas of spectacular forest in Karridale.  On the two blocks we have purchased, majestic Marris (Red Gum) dominate the skyline, having been left by the cattle and sheep farmers who painstakingly cleared this land in the Group Settlement era. We have quite a large area of 'old growth forest' that we intend to protect. Most of the Blackbutts along the creek lines have been milled but there is good regeneration.

The rolling hills, dominated by majestic Marris, inspired us to call the property 'Three Hills'. Marris are also traditionally respected as indicators of good vineyard soil. We have named our major blended white after the Marri tree, hence 'Marrimee'.

The area is little visited at present but will no doubt become a major tourist area in the future, particularly with the upgrading of Sues Road that gives faster access to the South Coast.

The purchase of Three Hills in 1994 was the culmination of a search for a property and an environment that would ‘produce the goods’ that began in 1990.  Furthermore we have 250 acres to play with. Our own research, recently published, (copies are available on this site) indicate the value of its climatic characteristics in conserving grape flavour. Ripening with a lower heat-load in the vital pre vintage period enables incredibly rich flavours and naturally balanced wines from a very wide range of grape varieties.  Research, hunches and guesses are one thing but the proof will be demonstrated with the release of the first Three Hills reds in 2001.

From Hill Two to the lower reaches of Hill One

The experimental red varieties are proving to be most exciting. Most of these have gone into our major blended red, the 'Preservative Free Red'. However, a small amount of each varietal has been bottled in each year for continuing evaluation that may lead to new plantings in due course.  The latest addition is the Bulgarian Melnik, out of quarantine after three years.

With vintage 2,000 we put aside a couple of barrels of Grenache for individual bottling but deemed the Nebbiolo and Tempranillo not up to scratch in this difficult wet year.

The quality of Sauvignon Blanc is exciting.  Three Hills Semillon will be regarded as very special in time to come. 

Pinot Noir is not generally considered a successful Margaret River variety. However, because Karridale escapes the worst of the February heat, the Karridale Pinot shows authentic varietal character and good depth.  Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are produced in quantity. The 1999 wines, about to be released in October 2001 are exciting.

Other whites, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Viognier, and Chenin Blanc have already proved themselves in the Karridale environment.  We have a wealth of flavour potential.

A cellar door outlet to be established at Three Hills in 2002 will enable visitors to try the wines on site.

Lyn and Phil Foster look after the Karridale vineyard with dedication beyond the call of duty with the capable assistance of Andrew Drayton and Tim Severin.  (More under 'People').

Erl Happ October 2000

Looking across the pinot noir to the Marris on top of the first of the Three Hills