WINES IN PORTFOLIO REVIEWS RATINGS MEDALS



Beckett's Flat Winery
Beckett's Flat is a small family-owned winery situated in Australia's foremost and celebrated estate wine region - the Margaret River in Western Australia.

The Margaret River appellation of Western Australia is surrounded on three sides by water - Geographe Bay to the North, the Indian Ocean to the West and the cool Southern Ocean (Antarctica, anyone?) to the South.

Western Australia's Margaret River is considered the wine region most like both Napa and Bordeaux in its climate and soil characteristics. The water surrounding this small wine growing region provides warmer nights, cooler days and higher humidity than inland areas. Fog caresses the vines, carried by sea breezes after warm days blessed with plenty of sunshine. The area's soil is developed from granite rock and contains lots of loam and, most significantly, gravel - perfect for hard-working vines which produce grapes of intense flavor.

Chardonnay grapes
from the harvest


At Beckett's Flat, all grapes are harvested by hand, not machines.

Beckett's Flat wines are known for their dramatic fruitiness. This is a result of micro-climate combined with hand-pruning of all vines to restrict grape yield at harvest time. This ensures maximal grape-fruit concentration which you can taste in every glass.

Additionally, everything at Beckett's Flat is grown at the premises and no grapes travel far from the vine to the wine press. All grapes are harvested by hand to protect against premature breakage or fermentation which can result from machine harvesting. The harvest is done in the middle of the night until dawn to keep the grapes cool before gentle pressing. It is this kind of fastidious attention and hand care that make Beckett's Flat one of the foremost producers of kosher wine in the world today.

All Beckett's Flat wines are Mevushal and are produced under the supervision of Rav Mordechai Gutnick, Shlita, of Kosher Australia and the KAWA (Kosher Authority of Western Australia). See our section on Kashrut & History


Wines in Portfolio

Chardonnay

The 2006 Chardonnay is produced from estate-grown low-yielding vines. A complex wine with aromas of cantaloupe and vanilla. These flavors are mirrored in the palate which displays cantaloupe and citrus with underlying buttery notes and hints of vanillan oak. A crisp, dry finish. Estate bottled. The Chardonnay is a good match with vegetarian dishes, poultry or veal. Would be great with spinach and ricotta cannelloni or garlic and oregano roast chicken on saffron linguine.


Late Harvest Semillon

We've released the first-ever kosher Semillon in February 2003 (2002 vintage) and have now followed up with the 2003 vintage. Semillon (pronounced "sem-ee-yon" in French and "sem-mil-lon" by Australians) is the White Bordeaux grape varietal which is the primary component of Sauternes, the world-famous luxury dessert wines. This Late Harvest Semillon is made in a "New World" style, semi-sweet with notes of figs, dates and cranberries. Made with moderate alcohol content (10 percent) so that the wine can be enjoyed slightly chilled during the spring, summer and fall. The Brix at harvest was 24 and residual sugar is 2.5 grams per 100 ml. Only 600 cases of the 2003 vintage were produced, so this wine is definitely collectable. Packaged in a beautiful decorative tall bottle. A great gift.


Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon

The 2006 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon is 60 percent Sauvignon Blanc and 40 percent Semillon – Estate-grown fruit picked at optimum ripeness to produce a wine showing tropical fruit with citrus and mineral characteristics. Estate bottled. Semi-dry. The winemaker Bill Ilic calls this his best white blend to date. Best with light pasta meals, fish, poultry and Asian food. Try serving with Smoked salmon carpaccio with vinaigrette dressing or baked rainbow trout with herbed ricotta and salsa verde. Chill for an hour prior to serving. Excellent with honey-mustard chicken, roast duck, smoked turkey, salmon or sautéed brook trout.


Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz

This wine is the very paradigm of what Australian reds are all about - big, bold, bodaciously fruity. A 50-50 blend of Cab and Shiraz this wine is bursting with dense red cherries combined with spices and soft tannins, this is the kind of wine you have with a giant slab of prime ribs of beef au jus. You want this wine with a slow-cooked brisket. A real value at around $25 - many non-kosher Margaret River reds go for up to $75. This wine can be aged or enjoyed right now.
Gold Medal Winner.


Shiraz

The Shiraz grape is known for its peppery spiciness combined with deep berry fruit overtones. This wine lives up to all expectations. Raspberry, boysenberries and strawberry fruit combine with an ever so slight edge of spice to produce a wine of substance and pleasurable tart plummyness. Australia is most famous for its Shirazes. You'll find that Beckett's Shiraz is the embodiment of elegant Shiraz. Also priced around $25 and an amazing bargain for wine crafted with such tender loving care. May be aged or drunk now. Serve all red wines at room temperature.


Cerise Rosé

Cerise Rosé for 2006 is a beautiful deep pink wine with a stunning bouquet of strawberries and roses. The palate shows sweet strawberry fruit with a pinch of mixed spice. Serve lightly chilled. A good match for those who enjoy spicy foods or for those who enjoy a sweeter style. Cerise is also the perfect aperitif. In hot weather can be served over a full glass of crushed ice with a twist of lemon. Also makes a great spritzer by adding some sparkling mineral water. Really good with Asian and spice-infused cuisine. It is also a great alternative for Kiddush. Cerise 2006 is a blush of Cabernet Sauvignon left for only a very short time on the grape skins to take on a deep shade of pink to make a crisp refreshing wine that is sensational with salmon of any kind (try this wine for a Sunday bagel brunch with nova, lox and cream cheese) and equally wonderful with saucy poultry dishes.

As with all selections from Abarbanel, you can be assured that only the world's very best kosher wines find their way from the vineyards to you table. Beckett's Flat is no exception.


Reviews


Tastings.com Selects
Beckett's Flat as
Wine of the Week

September 25, 2006

91
RATING
Beckett's Flat 2004 Cabernet-Shiraz
"This remarkably rich and flavorful Australian Shiraz is one of the best examples of a kosher red wine that we have seen in a long time.

Deep garnet black color color. Baked berry, grilled meat, and green pepper aromas. A plush round entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to full-bodied palate with ripe blackberry, cassis, and toasty vanilla flavors. Finishes with a long ripely sweet berry, cedar, and vanilla bean fade." Rated "Exceptional" - 91 points.
Tasted Aug 23, 2006.


Ratings

91
RATING
Beckett’s Flat Cabernet-Shiraz 2004
"Kosher Deep garnet black color color. Baked berry, grilled meat, and green pepper aromas. A plush round entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to full-bodied palate with ripe blackberry, cassis, and toasty vanilla flavors. Finishes with a long ripely sweet berry, cedar, and vanilla bean fade."

Beverage Testing Institute
World Wine Championships
August 2006

88
RATING
Beckett's Flat Chardonnay 2006
“Golden straw in color, medium-bodied, with appealing citrus and summer fruits on a lightly spicy background. On the generous finish nice hints of pear and citrus flowers. Drink now-2008."

Daniel Rogov
Ha’aretz and International Herald Tribune
December 2006

88
RATING
Beckett’s Flat Shiraz 2004
"Kosher Deep ruby black color. Red and black berry aromas with a nice touch of pepper and acetone. A round entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to full-bodied palate with ripe raspberry, cherry, and blackberry flavors with a nice touch of brown spices. Finishes with a long fruit, pepper, and mineral flavors."

Beverage Testing Institute
World Wine Championships
August 2006

88
RATING
Beckett’s Flat Cerise Rose 2004
Margaret River, Australia

The Beverage Testing Institute/Tastings.com
December 2005

87
RATING
Beckett’s Flat Shiraz 2003
Margaret River, Australia

The Beverage Testing Institute/Tastings.com
December 2005

87
RATING
Beckett's Flat Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz 2002
“Showing as nicely as it did during an earlier tasting (12 Feb 2003), this medium- to full-bodied blend of (50% of each variety) shows soft, well integrated tannins, a moderate feel of the wood in which it was aged. Appealing currant, black cherry and berry fruits together with light spiciness that now runs throughout and a clean earthy sensation on the finish. Drinking well now or in the next year." (re-tasted 22 Sep, 2004)

Daniel Rogov
Ha’aretz and International Herald Tribune
September 2004

87
RATING
Beckett’s Flat 2002 Shiraz
“Juicy, ripe and fun, with plenty of upfront raspberry, strawberry, cherry, toast and vanilla notes. Soft tannins and moderate acidity make it easy to drink. Clean and fresh at the end.”

The Wine Enthusiast, April 2004

87
RATING
Beckett's Flat Reserve Chardonnay 2002
“Apricot and citrus fruit is couched in oak on the nose. In the mouth, it’s balanced, and shows mild yellow fruit, plus a malty note that continues through the finish. This is not a Technicolor, loud wine, but that’s why it may work with dinner.”

The Wine Enthusiast, October 2003

87
RATING
Beckett's Flat Shiraz
"The palate delivers typical raspberry and cherry flavors, while both the finish and mouthfeel are simple but positive."

The Wine Enthusiast, March 2003

86
RATING
Beckett's Flat Shiraz 2004
“Medium-bodied, with soft tannins integrated nicely and hints of spicy wood highlighting plum, berry and earth aromas and flavors that linger nicely on the palate. Drink now-2008.”

Daniel Rogov
Ha’aretz and International Herald Tribune
November 2006

86
RATING
Beckett's Flat Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz 2004
“Dark garnet towards royal purple in color, with firm tannins and spicy wood in good balance with currant, black cherry and blackberry fruits, all leading to a moderately-long finish. Drink now-2008.”

Daniel Rogov
Ha’aretz and International Herald Tribune
November 2006

86
RATING
Beckett's Flat Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2006
“Bright and refreshing, with pear, orange and green apple fruits supported nicely by spicy and herbal notes. Drink now-2008.”

Daniel Rogov
Ha’aretz and International Herald Tribune
November 2006

86
RATING
Beckett’s Flat 2004 Cerise
“Though the wine has the strawberry cheesecake flavors and aromas that this reviewer typically finds sweet and simple, they are countered here by some fresh berry fruit and a minerally feel. Good wine. Kosher."

The Wine Enthusiast, April 2006

86
RATING
Beckett’s Flat 2004 Sem-Sauv Blanc
“ This 80-20 Sem-Sauv isn’t all that exciting on the nose at first, but reveals hints of vanilla and anise with time. On the palate, it’s an approachable, slightly tropical wine, soft around the edges but with decent intensity. One of the better Kosher Aussies I’ve had lately."

The Wine Enthusiast, April 2006

86
RATING
Beckett’s Flat 2002 Cabernet-Shiraz
"A wine with moderate body that serves up a blend of briary black cherry, herb, raspberry, smoke and spice, all couched in moderate tannins."

The Wine Enthusiast, April, 2004

86
RATING
(Highest score was 89)
Beckett's Flat Shiraz
"World Cup of Syrah"

"Tart cherry-blackberry fruit and loads of licorice-vanillin oak show immediately and play all the way through in this Western Australia example. Balanced, tart-sweet and earthy, with good acidity, it could almost be mistaken for a modern-style Dolcetto from Italy's Piedmont"

The Wine Enthusiast, October 2001

85
RATING
Beckett's Flat Cerise 2006
“Rose-petal pink to red in color, light and refreshing, with appealing raspberry, cassis and strawberry aromas and flavors. A hint of sweetness here but good balancing acidity sets that off comfortably. Drink now or in the next year or so.”

Daniel Rogov
Ha’aretz and International Herald Tribune
December 2006

85
RATING
Beckett's Flat Late Harvest Semillon 2003
“Probably best categorized as barely off-dry and not nearly as sweet as one might expect but in the end that is one of the charms of this wine. The color of bright straw, medium-bodied and with its hint of sweetness nicely set off by lively acidity. Tempting nectarine, white peach and citrus fruits here along with an appealing hint of grassiness that comes in on the finish. At its best as an aperitif or with grilled fish dishes. And, would you believe, a fun match with gefilte fish!” (Tasted 21 Sep, 2004)

Daniel Rogov
Ha’aretz and International Herald Tribune
September 2004

84
RATING
Beckett’s Flat 2004 Reserve Chardonnay
“Offers vanilla bean, pear and herb aromas. On the palate, the wine is soft and a little sweet, with tropical fruit flavors dominating. Kosher."

The Wine Enthusiast, April 2006

84
RATING
Beckett’s Flat Reserve Chardonnay 2004
Margaret River, Australia

The Beverage Testing Institute/Tastings.com
December 2005


Medals

Double Gold Medal
Beckett's Flat Cabernet-Shiraz 2001
Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Judging
July 2002

Gold Medal
Beckett's Flat Chardonnay '06
Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
April, 2007

Gold Medal
Beckett’s Flat Cabernet-Shiraz ‘04
Beverage Testing Institute
World Wine Championships
August 2006

Gold Medal
Beckett’s Flat Cabernet-Shiraz ‘04
Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Judging
August 2006

Gold Medal
Beckett’s Flat Shiraz ‘04
Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Judging
August 2006

Gold Medal
Beckett's Flat Chardonnay Reserve 2004
Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
April 2006

Gold Medal
Beckett's Flat Shiraz 2003
Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
April 2006

Gold Medal
Beckett's Flat Shiraz 2003
Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Judging
August 2005

Gold Medal
Beckett's Flat Cabernet/Shiraz 2003
Tasters Guild International
April 2005

Gold Medal
Beckett's Flat Cabernet/Shiraz 2002
Tasters Guild International
June 2003

Silver Medal
Beckett’s Flat Cabernet-Shiraz ’04
The International Eastern Wine Competition
2007

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Chardonnay '06
New World International Wine Competition
May 2007

Silver Medal
Beckett’s Flat Shiraz ‘04
Beverage Testing Institute
World Wine Championships
August 2006

Silver Medal
Beckett’s Flat Cabernet-Shiraz 2004
Indy International Wine Competition
July 2006

Silver Medal
Beckett’s Flat Cerise Rosé 2004
Indy International Wine Competition
July 2006

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Chardonnay Reserve 2004
International Eastern Wine Competition
May 2006

Silver Medal
Beckett’s Flat Cerise Rosé 2004
Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
April 2006

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
April 2006

Silver Medal
Beckett’s Flat Cerise Rose 2004
The Beverage Testing Institute/Tastings.com
December 2005

Silver Medal
Beckett’s Flat Shiraz 2003
The Beverage Testing Institute/Tastings.com
December 2005

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Chardonnay 2004
Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Judging
August 2005

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Judging
August 2005

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Cabernet-Shiraz 2003
Indy International Wine Competition
July 2005

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Reserve Chardonnay 2004
Indy International Wine Competition
July 2005

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Indy International Wine Competition
July 2005

Silver Medal
Beckett’s Flat Cabernet-Shiraz 2003
International Eastern Wine Competition
May 2005

Silver Medal
Beckett’s Flat Cabernet-Shiraz 2003
Tasters Guild Consumer Judging
August 2004

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Chardonay Reserve 2003
Tasters Guild International
April 2004

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Cabernet-Shiraz 2002
Los Angeles County Fair/Wines of the World
April 2004

Silver Medal
Beckett’s Flat Cabernet-Shiraz 2002
Indy International Wine Competition
June 2003

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Shiraz 2002
Tasters Guild International
June 2003

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Shiraz
International Eastern Wine Competition
June 2003

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Sauvignon/Semillon
International Eastern Wine Competition
June 2003

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Cabernet-Shiraz 2001
Tasters Guild International
May 2002

Silver Medal
Beckett's Flat Shiraz
Tasters Guild International
April 2001

Bronze Medal
Beckett’s Flat Cabernet-Shiraz ’04
Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
April 2007

Bronze Medal
Beckett’s Flat Shiraz ’04
Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
April 2007

Bronze Medal
Beckett’s Flat Chardonnay ’06
The International Eastern Wine Competition
2007

Bronze Medal
Beckett’s Flat Shiraz ’06
The International Eastern Wine Competition
2007

Bronze Medal
Beckett’s Flat Shiraz 2004
The Indy International Wine Competition
July 2006

Bronze Medal
Beckett’s Flat Reserve Chardonnay 2004
The Beverage Testing Institute/Tastings.com
December 2005

Bronze Medal
Beckett's Flat Cerise Rosé 2004
Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Judging
August 2005

Bronze Medal
Beckett’s Flat Shiraz 2002
Indy International Wine Competition
June 2003

Bronze Medal
Beckett's Flat Sauvignon Blanc/Semillion 2002
Tasters Guild International
June 2003

Bronze Medal
Beckett's Flat Cabernet/Shiraz
International Eastern Wine Competition
June 2003

Bronze Medal
Beckett's Flat Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2001
Tasters Guild International
May 2002

Bronze Medal
Beckett's Flat Cabertnet-Shiraz 2001
International Eastern Wine Competition
April 2002

Bronze Medal
Beckett's Flat Shiraz
International Eastern Wine Competition
June 2001

The #1 Passover 2000 Wine from The New York Times!
Wednesday, April 11, 2000
Beckett's Flat Semillon, Margaret River, Australia 1999
"A zesty dry wine with appealingly fruity aromas and citrus flavors...begin your seder with a dry white like the Beckett's Flat Semillon from Australia, made from the same grape as dry white Bordeaux."
Listed as the most highly recommended wine for Passover by
Eric Asimov in The New York Times.
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