2023 Vinaceous Voodoo Moon Malbec, Margaret River

An impenetrable black-purple hue. A lot of fruit sweetness coming through at first – all plums doused in licorice, cocoa powder and fresh herbs. Then it unfurls, offering more savoury tones and some charcuterie alongside plush tannins and a supple, full-bodied palate. Solid and good value. Take it to your next barbecue.

90 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Vinaceous Voodoo Moon Malbec is a bold and characterful Margaret River red that leans into the darker, more playful side of the variety while staying grounded in site and balance. Vinaceous is a small Margaret River producer known for thoughtful, low intervention winemaking and a willingness to explore varieties outside the region’s Cabernet stronghold. Voodoo Moon is very much about personality, but it is built on serious vineyard work.

The fruit comes from Margaret River vineyards where gravelly loam soils and strong maritime influence provide ideal conditions for Malbec to ripen evenly without losing freshness. Warm days build colour and depth, while cooling ocean breezes preserve acidity and aromatic lift, giving structure rather than excess weight.

In the glass, the wine is deeply coloured and expressive, showing blackberry, plum and dark cherry, with hints of violet, cocoa, spice and a gentle earthy note. The palate is rich yet composed, with ripe dark fruit framed by fine tannins and a savoury edge that keeps everything in check. It is generous without being heavy, finishing long and satisfying.

This is a natural match for food with depth and flavour. Think slow cooked beef, lamb shanks, barbecue meats, rich stews or mushroom dishes with umami richness. It also holds up beautifully alongside hard aged cheeses.

Vinaceous Voodoo Moon Malbec is drinking well now but has the structure to cellar for six to ten years, gaining complexity and softness with time. It is a fun, confident expression of Malbec in Margaret River, showing that the region can deliver much more than its famous Cabernet when placed in the right hands.