Smallwater Estate Shiraz: A Hidden Gem from Donnybrook Shines at the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge

When people think of premium Shiraz, regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale often come to mind. However, the Geographe Wine Region in Western Australia has now made an impressive mark on the Shiraz map with the recent triumph of Smallwater Estate’s 2022 Shiraz at the prestigious Great Australian Shiraz Challenge. This year’s competition saw Smallwater Estate’s Shiraz crowned with the Best Shiraz of Show Trophy, a true testament to the winery’s dedication to quality and craft.

A Triumph for Donnybrook in the Geographe Wine Region

The Great Australian Shiraz Challenge, renowned for its rigorous blind-tasting process, attracted over 320 entries from 53 regions across Australia this year. Smallwater Estate’s Shiraz shone among fierce competition, including powerhouse regions like McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley. Winning not only the Best Shiraz of Show but also the Winetitles Trophy for Best Western Australian Shiraz, Smallwater Estate has put Donnybrook in the Geographe Wine Region firmly on the radar for Shiraz enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Event director Julian McLean praised Smallwater Estate’s victory, calling it “a great result for a small winemaker and the WA Geographe wine region.” The accolade brings attention to Geographe’s potential as a wine-producing region and underscores how smaller producers from unexpected locales can compete with established names when quality is judged without preconceived notions.

Smallwater Estate’s Journey

Located just south of Donnybrook, historically known more for its apples than grapes, Smallwater Estate was founded in 1993 by John Small and his late wife, Robyn. Originally intended as a marron farm, the estate gradually expanded into viticulture, initially growing grapes for Cape Mentelle, a notable winery in Margaret River. However, by 2005, John decided to bottle his own wine under the Smallwater Estate label, starting with a modest Zinfandel production in 2006.

Today, Smallwater Estate produces 2,500 cases annually, focusing predominantly on red wines, with Shiraz emerging as a flagship variety. Their approach combines a deep respect for terroir with hands-on craftsmanship, resulting in wines that are not only rich in character but also reflective of Geographe’s unique microclimate.

The Appeal of the 2022 Smallwater Estate Shiraz

The 2022 Shiraz from Smallwater Estate captivated the judges with its bold yet balanced profile, displaying the distinctive hallmarks of Western Australian Shiraz. The wine’s complex bouquet of dark fruits, peppery spice, and hints of earthy minerality reflect meticulous winemaking and the particular conditions of Donnybrook’s terroir in the Geographe Wine Region. A full-bodied palate with smooth tannins and a lingering finish make this Shiraz both elegant and approachable, ideal for pairing with a wide range of dishes.

Recognizing Shiraz Across Australia

This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Great Australian Shiraz Challenge, a platform that consistently highlights the diversity of Shiraz across Australia. Each year, the competition showcases top-quality wines from a range of regions, acknowledging the unique characteristics that different climates and soils impart to the Shiraz grape. This year’s challenge celebrated wines from McLaren Vale, Tasmania, Victoria, and beyond, with awards in categories such as Best South Australian Shiraz, Best Organic Shiraz, and Best Sparkling Shiraz, among others.

What’s Next for Smallwater Estate?

With this prestigious win, Smallwater Estate is poised for further recognition within Australia and internationally. For visitors, a trip to Smallwater Estate offers more than just wine tasting—it’s an immersive experience. Nestled in a serene part of Western Australia, just a short drive from Perth, the estate features breathtaking views and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for wine lovers looking to explore beyond the traditional wine trails.

As the Geographe wine region continues to grow, Smallwater Estate stands as a proud ambassador, proving that Western Australian Shiraz can compete on the world stage.