McHENRY HOHNEN VINTNERS
Margaret River, Western Australia

McHenry Hohnen Vintners is a family owned wine producer sourcing grapes from four vineyards owned within the families of Murray McHenry and David Hohnen.

The company is managed by Bea Wroth who has a background in winery administration and logistics. David Hohnen and his daughter Freya share the winemaking responsibilities.

Murray McHenry is building a winery at his Rocky Road vineyard and for now, the wines are made with good friends at Alexandra Bridge winery.

Within the four vineyards, eighteen varieties are cultivated. These reflect the region’s heritage with the Bordeaux varieties (Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot). The Mediterranean climate of Margaret River is also acknowledged with varieties associated with Southern France and Spain (Marsanne, Rousanne, Grenache, Graciano, Mataro, Shiraz, Tempranillo). Add Chardonnay, Viognier, Barbera, Sangiovese and Zinfandel and there you have the foundations from which McHenry Hohnen select fruit for their range of wines.

Four vineyards are used for McHenry Hohnen wines

McHenry's: The property is named after Sandy McHenry who is married to David Hohnen. In 1976 she spent her entire inheritance buying a run-down farm on the south side of the valley of the Margaret River, with views of the Indian Ocean.
Seventeen hectares have been planted on a number of aspects, as dictated by the contours of a sharp bend in the river. Most of the production is still taken by Cape Mentelle. It has proven to be an exceptional site.

Calgardup Brook: In a partnership with Brian Sierakowski, Murray McHenry has developed 40 ha of vines since 1995. The vineyard lies on the south side of the Calgardup Brook, which is a westerly flowing stream just south of Witchcliffe. With a gentle northerly aspect and the westerly influence this is a very good vineyard. Most of the fruit is contracted to Cape Mentelle.

Rocky Road: Murray McHenry has developed 40 ha of vines on a farm he purchased in 1998. The vines are planted on a north-facing slope of ironstone gravels on a tributary to the Upper Chapman Brook. This northern exposure, with some southerly influence, makes a great site.

McLeod Creek: Sandy and David Hohnen moved south in 2000 when they purchased a farm, which straddles the confluence of three southerly streams, the main one being the McLeod Creek. Twenty-three hectares have been established on the rough ridges that separate the creek lines. There is an exposure to the 'Southerly Buster', making this a difficult but rewarding site.

There are 3 ranges of wine produced:

The Margaret River white & red:

The Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon is sourced from the Southern Margaret River, where the cooler part of the region best suits these two varieties. - Aromas jump from the glass - pineapple, passionfruit, gooseberry and fresh apricot. Piquant and juicy, the flavour matches the aroma, all framed with gentle phenolics and fresh acidity.

The Margaret River Shiraz is sourced from the northern half of the Margaret River region. The warm northerly exposure delivers a richness and full flavoured ripeness to the wine. Some fruit also came from the south where cooler conditions add a touch of spice - Rich aromas of currant muffin, plum, briar berry and smoked ham-hock lead to a lush and rich palate. This is all tied together with firm but unassertive tannins and gentle acid.

The 3 Amigos white & red, based predominently on Rhone varietals:

The 3 Amigos White, a blend of Marsanne, Chardonnay & Viognier - aromas of Apricot schnapps, fennel and coriander carried by peach and dried pear. And so it goes on! A palate with weight, sweetness and all in seamless balance, with mouth filling texture.

The 3 Amigos Red, a blend of Shiraz, Grenache & Mataro - Plum and briar berry with whiffs of mettwurst and gun smoke. On the palate the wine is bright and juicy with underlying sweetness balanced by ripe tannins.

The Estate Wines:

The Calgardup Brook Chardonnay, Sourced exclusively from their Calgardup Brook vineyard. A complex nose, hint’s of Grand Marnier, buttery sweet pastries and nutmeg. The palate is textured with plenty of weight, a firm mineral edge and lovely, yet unobtrusive, grapefruit acid..

The Tiger Country, a blend of Tempranillo, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Sauvignon. Named after the Tiger Snakes that are renowed in McLeod Creek where the Tempranillo is grown.- Complex aromas of dark chocolate liqueurs and spicy berry fruit, rounded off in a harmony of fine grained tannins and balanced acidity.

Click here to view the McHenry Hohnen Wines available to purchase