After a career spanning 50 years, Richard Rowe began his journey under the tutelage of Brian Croser. Cutting his teeth in the Clare Valley, he went on to earn the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy at Leasingham. In 2002, he ventured west to join Evans & Tate in Western Australia before heading abroad to help elevate winemaking at KWV in South Africa. After years of consulting in Margaret River, 2024 marked the realisation of a lifelong dream—establishing his own label, Rowe Wines, alongside his two sons.
It’s a rare privilege to witness the first lines of a new chapter—especially when the pen is held by a father, writing not only into the chronicles of Australian winemaking, but into the living legacy of his own bloodline. A story not just of craft, but of kinship—etched in wine stained palm lines and passed from hand to hand, heart to heart.
2024 Rowe Karridale Chardonnay
$60 | 95 Points
Fruit was sourced from the Wylco sub-region in Karridale and matured for nine months in 30% new French oak. The 2024 harvest was notably early, with picking taking place on February 9th. Fortunately, the marri trees cooperated, allowing the concentrated—albeit smaller—crop to remain on the vine for ideal hang time. The result is a wine rooted in the shallow, ironstone gravel soils of this distinctive site. Showing what is first and foremost a pumice like mineral rich tones that opens to pomelo, soft poached green apple flesh and white needle tea. Oak tones sit loosely, skirting the edges with shaved sandpaper dust. There is a hint at creme fraiche dolloped on to carrying waves of bright acidity. There is intrinsic power here, on full display due to oak being reined in at the seams. Beautifully focused and pure. Drink now or will age for another 10-12 years. A perfect wine for scallop ceviche.
