Adventure awaits with Evan’s & Tate’s Wild Cape Subheading

One of the pioneering wineries in Margaret River, our story started in 1971 when John Evans and John Tate established Evans & Tate. With the purchase of a small winery, located in the historic Swan Valley, an icon was created. Many will fondly remember the Gnangara range that introduced an entire generation to drinking quality Western Australian wine.

The Gnangara wines featured a purity of fruit expression and flavour that had never been seen before in Western Australian wines, an early indicator of what Evans & Tate is capable of. Three years later in 1974, our founders selected the perfect site in Wilyabrup, in WA’s South West, and named the vineyard Redbrook. Today the vines are some of the oldest in Margaret River and produce world-class wines. Over the ensuing years, Evans & Tate grew into one of Western Australia’s most respected and successful wine companies.

How has your brand changed over time, since the evolution in the Swan Valley to establishing roots in Margaret River?

From the early days in the Swan Valley to now Margaret River, Evans & Tate has become one of the most successful Western Australian wineries both on the award show circuit and commercially. Evans & Tate has maintained its philosophy of quality and distinction while its move to Margaret River saw it evolve and integrate the maritime influence of the region to deliver approachable yet distinct characteristics of Margaret River wines that over-deliver time after time.

We’ve seen Matt Byrne our senior winemaker, make wines for every occasion. The heritage of the Gnangara range is still there while we have the family favourite, Classic to the new and bold Wild Cape and the highly award-winning and the pinnacle of Evans & Tate winemaking, the Redbrook Reserve range, there’s a wine for all occasions.

What goes on behind the scenes to craft an ‘elegant’ wine, and what exactly do you think defines elegance when it comes to wine?

I use the term mainly in reference to red wines that are medium in body (whilst still having a huge length of flavour!) coupled with silky, fine tannins that just melt into the palate. A seamless experience with no one element dominating – only possible with elite fruit quality which Margaret River is renowned for.

Tell us a bit about the concept behind Wild Cape. How does Wild Cape showcase the Margaret River wine region?

For me, Andrew’s images capture an intensity that’s palpable – rawness, purity and power. This was a winemaking ethos I had before I met Andrew so the synergy was great. At each step in growing and making these wines, I wanted to ensure the purity and intensity of flavour and freshness was maximised and then preserved.

The focus for this range was Cab Sav, Chardonnay and Sav Blanc; why did these styles work so well?

Quite simply, the climate and soils in Margaret River chose these styles as the compatibility is remarkable and evident in the quality of these much loved Margaret River varietals year in year out.

How does the photography on the bottles reflect the concept, your ethos as winemakers and the styles of wines themselves?

Andrew’s extraordinary images simply stop you in your tracks – they’re a sensory overload in a good way. To make wine have this same impact was my goal. Both elements I think are so effective in communicating what winemaking in Margaret River means to me – without saying a word!

Tell us a bit about some of the flavours in each of the wines and how this range differentiates from previous ranges like expressions?

SB: Has purity and energy – this wine aligns great fruit from an excellent vintage to produce a Sauvignon Blanc wine in all its glory. Pungent and lifted with great flavour and salivating acidity. Super refreshing.
Chard: Its ability to show complexity, texture and fruit power without sacrificing freshness and an overall harmonious balance.

Cab Sauv: This Cabernet is such a delicious drink and even more so with the addition of a touch of Malbec at blending which really elevates this wine into something extra special. The flavour, perfume and effortless nature of its silken palate just floods the senses….

All the Wild Cape wines have an extra layer of complexity whether it be textural, aroma or flavour. They are an extraordinary introduction to these varieties and styles or overdeliver for the experienced wine lover.

What can winners expect from your giveaway with Liquor Barons, which is currently up for grabs?

The lucky winners can expect to receive an amazing weekend away in the Margaret River region. They’ll enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch at Bunker’s Beach House restaurant, be treated to a private wine tasting with senior winemaker Matt Byrne and enjoy a glass of our Wild Cape wine while watching the sun set over the glorious Bunker Bay beach during their stay at the luxurious Pullman Resort.

What is your favourite beach or destination in the South West region, and why?

Gracetown is surfable in any swell and almost any wind, it has so many different types of waves in such a compact area

What’s next for Evans and Tate?

Next vintage! That’s the beauty of making wine, in that each growing season produces something different and unique, simply as a result of what type of season nature throws at you.

Pick up any wine from the Wild Cape range and scan your Barons Locals card to go in the draw to WIN a trip for two to the South West, with accommodation, wine-tasting, lunch and more covered. Enter before October 9th 2022 for your chance to win!