Wines Margaret River Hearts & Bones by Stuart Pym - Angeli - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Hearts & Bones by Stuart Pym’s “Cuvée Angeli” 2020 from Margaret River is a remarkable Australian red that embodies both regional expression and winemaker expertise. This cuvée, crafted by one of Western Australia’s most respected talents, showcases a blend of classic Bordeaux varietals, most likely including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and perhaps a touch of Malbec or Petit Verdot, as is typical for the region. 2020 was an excellent vintage in Margaret River, marked by moderate temperatures and a long, even ripening season, which has imparted the wine with structure, freshness, and beautifully balanced fruit. The vinification here seeks to emphasise purity and finesse, with carefully managed extraction and likely a gentle ageing period in French oak, bringing subtle spicy undertones without overshadowing the vibrant fruit profile.

Margaret River, located in Western Australia, is renowned for its temperate maritime climate, unique within Australia. Flanked by the cooling influence of the Indian and Southern Oceans, the area enjoys mild winters and warm, dry summers, perfect for Bordeaux grape varieties. The soils are predominantly gravelly loams over a clay subsoil, enabling deep root penetration and providing excellent drainage, which is ideal for producing wines with intensity and elegance. Margaret River’s reputation has soared since the 1970s, with producers like Stuart Pym contributing to its standing as one of Australia’s premier regions for refined, structured reds.

Pair this wine with classic dishes such as rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic, a rich beef Wellington, or, for a regional twist, slow-roasted kangaroo fillet with native spices. The wine’s depth and poise also work beautifully with mushroom risotto or mature hard cheeses like aged cheddar.

For optimal enjoyment, serve the Cuvée Angeli at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour prior to serving will allow the wine’s aromas and tannins to fully bloom, revealing layers of dark fruit, subtle herbs, and finely integrated oak. This wine will evolve elegantly over the next 5-8 years but already displays the hallmarks of great Margaret River red: freshness, structure, and understated sophistication.