This family-owned and operated vineyard is located in Wilyabrup, the heart of the Margaret River wine region. Although this is a relatively small region, 20% of Australia’s premium wines originate from here. With the area’s perfect combination of the right soil and supreme climate, Jilyara has the terroir to grow fruit of outstanding quality.
The vineyard was planted in 1996 by the Cotterell family. With a north-south aspect and nestled within undulating valleys, it is protected from the elements behind a nature reserve, yet near enough to the ocean to hear the surf. In the nine hectare vineyard is grown predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, but also Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. After having produced grapes for over twenty-three years supplying some of the area’s prime producers, they have now embarked on an exciting venture in producing their own wine.
To produce the best possible fruit, the vines are hand pruned and picked with care. They shoot thin, leaf pluck and trim to ensure adequate air flow and light to provide a healthy micro-climate and to minimise the use of fungicidal sprays. Craig Cotterell, the owner-operator, does all of the spraying, netting, and mulching himself, and by using minimal contractor equipment he ensures a sound and disease free vineyard. Tillage and soil compaction is kept to a minimum, and sheep graze the vineyard post-harvest promoting natural weed suppression. Craig has managed every aspect of the vineyard since the beginning and strives to grow grapes of superior quality. His hands-on approach guarantees the viticultural practices are closely monitored.
Jilyara is also home to the Cotterell-Bergstrom family, a playground for their children and a space where they indulge in their passion for exceptional wine every day. Craig and his partner in crime Maria, along with their four children are all an integral part of the vineyard.
Jilyara Sauvignon Blanc 2018
“A new producer who has delivered a precise sauvignon blanc with purity of fruit and enjoyable mineral characters that coarse through the wine. It is has an ever so slight green fleck in the glass with aromatics of lime, gooseberry and some faint tomato leaf. The palate continues the citrus thread with crunchy acidity but generosity of mouthfeel before a build of grapefruit like texture gives complexity to finish.”
90 Points, Patrick Eckel
Jilyara Honeycomb Corner Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
“Gorgeously ripe and inviting, the bouquet shows cassis, dark cherry, violet and cedar characters. The palate delivers excellent weight and intensity, beautifully supported by succulent fruit flavours and silky texture. It is wonderfully balanced and structured by fine, polished tannins”
93 Points, Wine Orbit
Jilyara Heath Road Chardonnay 2019
“Elegant and wonderfully persistent, this stylish chardonnay shows nectarine, lemon pith, vanilla and cedar characters on the nose, leading to a mouthfilling palate that is texturally delightful and lingering. The wine offers impressive presence and poise, finishing extremely long and refined.” –
94 Points, Wine Orbit
Jilyara Heath Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
“A Cabernet Sauvignon with generous blackberries, violets and dark mint chocolate. Red berries, forest fruits, firm tannins and a bright acid backbone lead to a long, savoury finish.”
Jilyara Heath Road Malbec 2018
“Juicy, bright red fruits – cherry and red current, which are balanced out by a savoury spicy note. Plush and generous, this wine is framed by chalky tannins which lead to a long, moreish finish.”
Jilyara ‘The Williams Block’ Chardonnay 2018
“A new producer from Margaret River, with the Williams’ block their flagship release. It is undoubtedly a wine of quality with all the constituent parts that over time will create an elegant, complex and long lived Chardonnay. A light yellow in the glass and a nose that shows white peach, restrained fig and oak derived impact of spice and almond-meal. A tightly bound palate that has an understated class with a subtle build of fruit, oak and texture. There is a mineral acidity that weaves in and out with just ripe stone fruits and a backdrop of grapefruit underwriting the wines future development. The finish sees flint, woodsmoke and brioche. A wine that will have a big future.”
93 Points, Patrick Eckel
Jilyara ‘The Williams Block’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
“Carefully selected parcels of cabernet sauvignon are brought together to produce this intensely concentrated wine. Brooding varietal characters of dark berry fruits and herbal notes, integrated french oak and a natural acidity are balanced by firm tannins.”