LOIC: For me the uniqueness comes from the place that is Margaret River. Not only from a geographical point of view, but also from the region’s emphasis on quality. It’s also the mildness of the climate. Perth is very warm, and you think Western Australia is very warm and dry, but as soon as you're in Margaret River, there's such a picturesque aspect of greenery, and a microclimate that really defines this region. That was what struck me, in terms of Margaret River, and at Vasse Felix.

The factors that make this Cabernet special? First, Vasse Felix are the pioneers, or some of the pioneers of Margaret River, producing early Cabernets and Chardonnays in this part of the world, that define great history. So it’s first, the story. Two, is that the pocket of Margaret River is unique. Three, is the dedication of early pioneers, like Vasse Felix, who encouraged a community of people to grow some of the finest Cabernets and Chardonnays in the world. That for me, is unique.

From my point of view, I really think that by not travelling to this region, you don't understand the Margaret River style. You're only reading Cabernet and Chardonnay. But by visiting the region, you really see why Margaret River or Vasse Felix Cabernets are some of the finest in the world. This is the way I look at it.

LOIC: I think in terms of vintages, I think '93, '94, '97 would be some of my vintages to look at in the catalogue of all vintages. The vintages in the 90s, for me, are the key vintages that really show that [Margaret River Cabernet] is age worthy. They have such great acidity, and low alcohol, that sometimes we're not expecting from Australia. Also, just the quality, the beauty, and there’s an element of ‘Bordeaux-esque’ that is there. You don't see it in a glass in other Cabernet that I see, from let's say South Australia or even in the old days in Victoria. So yes, '93, '94, '97 will be some of the key vintages I will look for.

LOIC: First and foremost, a key reason would be as a Cabernet for wine drinkers that love Bordeaux or Napa. And two, because these wines are great for a consumer to buy early, keep in their cellars and age for years. They’re going to always deliver the best aspects of what you can see in Bordeaux, or perhaps what you can see in Burgundy for Chardonnay.

There's a good acidity level in the wines, a great tannin structure, and I think there is a broader diversity of vineyard, aspect, and geology in this region, that really brings Margaret River to be unique, in my opinion.

What is also very important to consider, is that in Margaret River, they are not scared to look at the new days and experimentation, for example with the no-oak movement. Grapes that are grown in Margaret River really show your oak influence and how it shapes a wine, and I think there’s not many regions that are trying to challenge that. And I think Vasse Felix is one of the key wineries, where they’re really looking outside of the box, at how to produce wines with less interventions, showcasing the value of raw or naked grapes, out of the vines.