2026 Rosily Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Margaret River

Rosily Vineyard is a 12-hectare site located in the northern Wilyabrup sub-region of the Margaret River and named after a French cartographer involved in the French explorations of Western Australia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The first vines were planted in 1995 using cuttings from the Moss Wood vineyard, and the site has been certified organic since 2019. The soil types vary across the sloping property from deep gravelly loams to lighter sandy soils over a clay base, with twelve varieties matched to the soil and the style of wine sought. Vineyard manager Sam Castleden knows each one intimately, as he planted the first ones.

Sam’s annual work is brought to the bottle by long term winemaker Mike Lemmes, who after a few years of brewing ciders returned to Rosily in time for the 2023 vintage. All wines are made from estate grown fruit.

The 2026 vintage was another trouble-free season for Margaret River, with excellent fruit quality, freshness and balance the keywords. Harvested in the cool of the night with a small parcel of Muscadelle, the pressed juice kept cool to capture the most delicate expression of the varieties. 20% was matured in new French Oak for six weeks.

Bright in the glass, with a slight lemon tinge. The nose shows fresh nettle and ripe tropical fruits with light toasted notes. The harmonious fresh palate reveals citrus, grass and lime zest flavours, with toasted oak notes adding complexity and a light savoury character. Refreshing finish.

Like a good white Bordeaux, this calls for a weekend lunch after scouting fresh produce markets. Pea, lemon, and mint risotto or grilled whiting with salsa verde – both capture the fresh green character of this wine in its youth and complement its weight and texture.