- Winery: Ampersand Estates
- Wine Region: Pemberton, Western Australia
- Variety:Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage: 2023
- Price: $90
- Find it: From the winery direct
- Alcohol content: 13.5%
- You’ll like this if: You want a special food wine
- Body: Medium
- Mouthfeel: Velvety
- Taste: Complex, structured, deep
- Flavours: Cherry, Spice, forest floor
- Enjoy it with: A nice meal
- Food pairings: Steak, lamb, mushrooms
Wine review: Ampersand Estates Esperluette 2023
Recently, I was sent some wines from Ampersand Estates, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. After learning more about the Pemberton wine region recently, I’ve been very keen to try wines from this region. It was hard to know where to start, but the Ampersand Estates Esperluette 2023 caught my eye. Esperluette is the French word for ampersand, and it is a fitting name for this Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the idea that life (and wine) is better with an “&”.
From the first pour, this wine opens with black cherry and blackcurrant, gently interlaced with subtle spice. On the palate, the Ampersand Estates Esperluette 2023 shows a beautifully velvety structure. Fine tannins wrap around the rich fruit core. There is a layer of earthiness adding depth, alongside a soft, lingering spice that carries through to a persistent, elegant finish. It’s refined yet generous, making it a lovely match for steak, roast lamb or aged hard cheeses. Though it would also shine alongside a hearty mushroom-based dish. This is the kind of wine that encourages you to slow down and pour another glass.
About Ampersand Estates
Nestled in WA’s beautiful Pemberton region, Ampersand Estate is a place where premium wine, thoughtful design and a deep sense of connection come together effortlessly. Set among the cool-climate beauty of the Southern Forests, every bottle captures a moment in time: sun-soaked afternoons, drifting mist and the gentle rhythm of vineyard life. Refined yet generous, Ampersand’s wines are shaped by nature and crafted with intent, designed to be shared over long lunches, cosy fireside evenings or celebrations that linger well into the night.
Founded in 2020 by Melissa Bell and Corrie Scheepers, Ampersand Estate was born from a shared vision to reimagine the region’s oldest winery into something truly special. With roots spanning the United States and South Africa, the duo brought bold creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to the historic property, transforming it into one of Australia’s top 10 winery stays. At the heart of it all is the ampersand, a symbol of bringing great things together. Fine wine & warm hospitality, luxury & calm, nature and indulgence, this winery is an open invitation to slow down, savour the moment and feel right at home.
You can learn more on their website.
Note: This wine was sent as a sample. I was under no obligation to post about it.