Doctor puts heart into Margaret River chardonnay and cabernet at Thompson Estate

This superb drop comes from the hands of a doctor who fell in love with wine while studying medicine at Harvard. Drink in moderation, of course.

Just what the doctor ordered, from Thompson Estate.

I find it reassuring when a doctor says, “Please drink this wine.” And it’s even better when the doctor is pointing you in the direction of a five-star winery located in one of our most prestigious wine regions.

Happily, that’s where we find ourselves today, sharing the story of Dr Peter Thompson, respected Perth cardiologist and the owner of Margaret River’s acclaimed Thompson Estate. While we’re at it, we’re also offering a super deal on the good doctor’s premium chardonnay, cabernet and two other lovely Thompson wines.

The Thompson estate chardonnay has scaled the heights over the past decade to be among one of Margaret River’s most consistent high-quality offerings, while the 95-point, gold-medal-winning cabernet hails from the west’s exceptional 2018 vintage.

But first, back to doctors and wine. History buffs will tell you that doctors have played a significant role in Australia’s wine industry from the early days. In the 1800s, it was Dr Henry John Lindeman who helped put NSW wine on the map, while Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold arrived in South Australia in 1844 and settled in a cottage called Grange at Magill, where he practised medicine and planted a vineyard.

More recently, it was Melbourne medicos such as Yarra Yering founder Dr Bailey Carrodus, who re-established the Yarra in the early 1970s, and the indefatigable Dr Max Lake, who brought new excitement to the Hunter in the 1960s and created a cult classic with his Lake’s Folly.

In the west, it was cardiologist Tom Cullity, who planted Margaret River’s first commercial vineyard in 1967, founding Vasse Felix. One of Dr Cullity’s students at this time was a young Peter Thompson, who spent weekends planting vines at his mentor’s block at Wilyabrup.

Dr Thompson tells me how his wine passion intensified while studying at Harvard in the 1970s under an internationally renowned cardiologist, who counted as a patient Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, of Bordeaux’s Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

Peter Thompson.

“We’d have cardiology teaching sessions on Saturday mornings and then, at lunch, a master tasting of red wines,’’ he says. “We were fortunate enough to taste a Mouton, and I thought, that’s pretty good.”

It took years, though, for Dr Thompson and his wife Jane to find the perfect vineyard site in Margaret River’s desirable Wilyabrup subregion, where names such as Vasse Felix, Pierro, Moss Wood and Cullen have created international reputations.

As fate would have it, the Thompsons eventually managed to secure a “cow paddock” right next door to Vasse Felix in the mid-1990s and Peter began planting vines all over again.

“I’m still fascinated by it all,’’ he says. “(Making wine) is more creative than medicine but there are a few things in common: the discipline and research and reliance on evidence-based information and the biochemistry. I just enjoy it all very much.”

Dr Thompson’s prescription for us is simple: enjoy these superb wines – in moderation, of course.

Thompson Estate Margaret River Chardonnay 2020

A gorgeous nose of white peach and nectarines flows through to a creamy, rich palate, with touches of cashews and cinnamon leading to a clean, lingering finish. Nicely integrated French oak that will delight lovers of high-quality Margaret River chardonnay. A beauty. 13.3% alc. RRP $50 a bottle. SPECIALS $39.99 a bottle in any dozen; $29.99 in dozen deal.

Thompson Estate Four Chambers Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2021

The Thompsons believe Margaret River sauvignon blanc can lead the way in Australia. This is delicate and clean, with grassy notes mingling with lychee and gooseberry flavours. A touch of zesty lemon/lime curd refreshes and adds complexity. Welcome at any summer picnic. 12.5% alc. RRP $25 a bottle. SPECIALS $19.99 a bottle in any dozen; $29.99 in mixed-dozen deal.

Thompson Estate Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

An outstanding wine. Wilyabrup’s climate tends to produce more voluptuous cabernet fruit than some of the other Margaret River subregions. There’s a real depth of flavour in this blend of cabernet sauvignon/malbec/cabernet franc/merlot (86/7/4/3). Lifted forest berry fruits, cassis and dark cherry aromas on arrival, with red berry fruit, black olive, sweet spice and just a touch of chocolate mocha. Seriously good. 95 points from Team Halliday. 14.5% alc. RRP $50 SPECIALS $39.99 a bottle in any dozen; $29.99 in mixed-dozen deal.

 

Thompson Estate Four Chambers Margaret River Shiraz 2020

Dr Thompson says shiraz is on the rise in the west as the climate becomes slightly warmer. This medium-bodied wine puts on a complex show with blueberries, mulberries and sweet plum flavours filling the palate and cinnamon spice, licorice and dark chocolate lingering in the background. Outstanding value. RRP $25 a bottle. SPECIALS $19.99 a bottle in any dozen; $29.99 in mixed-dozen deal.

MIXED-DOZEN DEALS Three bottles of each wine: $29.99 a bottle; six bottles each of the two reds or six bottles each of the two whites: $29.99 a bottle.

Order online or telephone [phone] Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm AEST. Deals only available while stocks last. The Australian Wine Club is a commercial partnership with Laithwaites Wine People.