Two Folklore Wines from Western Australia

Larry Cherubino’s Merlot and Sauvignon / Semillon blend

Australia is more a continent than a country. Western Australia is its largest State and covers the western third of the country. Its winemaking, however, represents just 2% of Australian volume,

There is a history of wine production in Western Australia dating back to 1840 with the establishment of Sandalford in the Swan Valley region, but the recognition of the fine wine possibilities came to be realised only after the establishment of the Margaret River Region in 1967. In that sense, it is the new New World, dating back no more than a few generations.

The BBR website explains:

Surrounded by ocean on three sides, it benefits from a stable climate, resulting in consistent and polished, high-quality wines. The region excels in Cabernet Sauvignon (and Bordeaux blends) which are elegant with fine tannins. Chardonnay is finely integrated with oak, being a less prominent feature and highlighting citrus and stone fruit. You’ll also find textural and restrained Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc blends and refined Shiraz.

They say:

Cherubino is the eponymous wine brand of award-winning Australian grapegrower and winemaker Larry Cherubino. Family-owned and farm-focused, it produces distinctly Western Australian wines of depth, detail and purity. Established in 2005 by Larry and Edwina, the label is known for innovation. Vineyards are carefully managed across 120ha, 60 varieties and diverse clones. Sustainability guides practices, achieving climate neutrality in 2024 with 20t C/ha sequestered.

Folklore offers outstanding value, putting fruit character and expression first. The grapes are sourced from Larry’s own vineyards, spread across the southwest of Western Australia.

Folklore Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2025 (£10 / £8 Clubcard, Tesco)

They say:

The wine is from Western Australia, sourced from Pemberton and Margaret River. Pemberton’s cool climate suits Sauvignon Blanc, with karri forests and the Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean shaping freshness and precision. Caves Road Vineyard in Wilyabrup yields restrained, mineral Semillon from coastal, gravelly soils that express Margaret River.

Free run parcels used after gentle pressing to preserve purity; bright and crunchy with passionfruit and citrus flavours.

I say:

Vibrant, zesty and tropical — a refreshing white

12.5%

very pale sandy yellow; yellow stone fruits, musky melon and orchard fruits; fresh white stone fruits, green apple, melon, zippy lime and pithy grapefruit; saline-mineral, savoury and complex with a whiff of white pepper.

Well made and Thoroughly pleasant+.

A versatile food wine, match with seafood, meaty white fish or white meats, such as herby chicken or pork terrine.

Drinks nicely on first opening, opens up with air and will repay cellaring for greater complexity.

Folklore Merlot 2024 (£10 / £8 Clubcard, Tesco)

They say:

This Merlot is from Western Australia, with fruit sourced from Margaret River. The region’s coastal influence creates a naturally temperate climate, allowing Merlot to ripen evenly while retaining freshness and balance. Gravelly, well-drained soils contribute fine structure and clarity, supporting Merlot’s plush fruit, supple tannins and elegant, refined style that is characteristic of Margaret River.

The fruit was carefully sorted, then fermented in stainless steel. A slow, three-week fermentation with gentle skin contact helped soften the tannins and build a smooth, balanced wine of blackberry, bay leaf and red earth with fine and velvety tannins.

I say:

Fruit-forward Old World-style Merlot with fine-yet-firm tannins.

9 months’ aging in stainless steel and old oak

13%

bright translucent ruby; plum, dark cherries, coffee grounds, spice and dried green herbs; plush and fresh with ripe plummy fruit, blackberry and cherries, damp earth, coffee grounds, spice, eucalyptus and savoury complexity. Fine yet firm, persistent tannins.

Well made and Thoroughly pleasant+.

Demands food; match with plain roast red meat, ragu, pepperoni pizza or a plate of salamis.

Originally published at https://cambridgewineblogger.substack.com.