An excellent meal at Du Vin, Henley last October was hosted by Michael Karrigan, who, at the time was the wine-maker for Madfish and Howard Park. His replacement at the start of the year was Tony Davis. No time yet of course for him to have had an influence on the development of the two ranges. But having sampled the Howard Park range I was most interested to taste the Madfish range.
The label artwork is interesting. Originally developed by the late Maxine Fumagalli, the design reflects the Aboriginal belief of unity between land, sea, the stars, animals and people, The turtle design represents perseverance and tolerance.
Each wine in the range is available at £8.99 per bottle from Wine By The Case and Everywine.co.uk. Many independents stock elements from the range including Valvona and Crolla. More info from the Madfish website.

Wine Tasting Note:Madfish Unwooded Chardonnay, 2005, Western Australia.
Full aroma – redolent of melons, pears and crisp, juicy apples. A touch of wet stones/minerality adds to the complexity. On the palate a combination of crisp acidity, rich mouth-feel and plenty of those melon and pear flavours. Unoaked but a buttery/creamy edge to the palate with an elegant citrus finish. Alcohol 13%.
Scribblings Rating – 90/100

Wine Tasting Note: Madfish Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon, 2006, Western Australia.
A Sauvignon that does not scream at you; more refined and classy than many Sauvignons. Plenty of soft grassy flavours but the Semillon brings a delicious floral dimension and more weight to the palate. Alcohol 12.5%
Scribblings Rating – 90/100

Wine Tasting Note: Madfish Riesling, 2006, Western Australia.
“The aim was to produce a wine more full and generous than is normal in a Great Southern Riesling”. Pronounced aroma, hints of lime, wax, a little spritz. The palate has a juicy lemon-lime-sherbet flavour with nice weight and good length. Alcohol 12%.
Scribblings Rating – 86/100

Wine Tasting Note: Madfish Pinot Noir, 2005, Western Australia.
A rich style of Pinot with lovely rounded aromas – peppery, plummy, black cherry and leather. A delicious intenseness on the palate with a combination of savoury flavours coupled with cherry and spice. Delicious. Alcohol 13.5%.
Scribblings Rating – 92/100

Wine Tasting Note: Madfish Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, 2004, Western Australia.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (61%), Merlot (30%) and Cabernet Franc (9%). An intense, lightly tannic palate – savoury rich with a touch of sweet-fruit. A touch of strawberry on first sipping but this subsides into a black-fruit intensity enlivened with a red-berry sharpness and touches of cherry, plum and chocolate notes. Juicy finish. Matched with a delicious lamb dish beautifully. Alcohol 14.5%.
Scribblings Rating – 90/100

Wine Tasting Note: Madfish Shiraz, 2004, Western Australia.
Deeply coloured with aromas of black fruits and touches of chocolate and pepper. A rich palate with plenty of spicy, black fruits with fine tannins. Alcohol 14.5%.
Scribblings Rating – 90/100