In 1968 English migrant Tony Smith planted some experimental Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon on his property at Denbarker in the shire of Plantagenet in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. The early English settlers of this rural region surrounding the town of Mount Baker favoured royalist names, and called it Plantagenet in honour of the royal house who ruled England from 1154 to 1485. Tony carried out further plantings, including Riesling in 1971 and in 1974 produced his first vintage, registering the iconic three lions for his brand. The following year an apple packing shed in Mount Baker was converted and become the first winery in the Great Southern region. In 2000 Plantagenet was fully acquired by the Lionel Samson Sadleirs Group, which was established in 1829 and is the oldest family business in Western Australia and second oldest in the country. In 2021 Tom and Jo Wisdom became the new owners of Plantagenet wines. Tom had worked at Plantagenet for the last three years and is a sixth generation descendant of Lionel Samson, with an extensive background in viticulture and decades of experience in the wine industry. Mike Garland, a recognised expert in cool climate wines is now the winemaker. The region's proximity to the Southern Ocean moderates the temperature, providing a slow ripening season, allowing maximum retention of acidity and enhancing the aromatic qualities of the grapes. Plantagenet cultivate six vineyard sites spanning a total of 126 hectares, planted on the regions distinctive Marri soils, named after the massive Red Gum trees that grow there, where the ironstone gravelly loams over a base of clay, sand or ironstone rock creates wines with a rare distinction and a complex character. Plantagenet cultivate Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sangiovese, Malbec, Tempranillo Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. From this array of grape varieties they produce a wide portfolio of award-winning wines with signature finesse and classical elegance – when you see the three lions label you know you are buying one of Australia's most trusted wine brands, and a little slice of history.
www.plantagenetwines.com