Margaret River
Red 5 Star Rated Winery – By James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion
The Pierro vineyard is the first of the new generation vineyards at Margaret River where the technology
of the new world is combined with the traditions of the old world. The vineyard was established in 1980
on the banks of Willyabrup Brook, in one of the most beautiful locations in the district. The 15 acres of
grapevines are set in 65 acres of undulating bushland, with both the Willyabrup Brook and Red Brook both
running through the property. Owner and winemaker, Dr Michael Peterkin graduated in medicine from the
University of WA in 1972. He then attended Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1976 and 1977 and gained
a degree in grape growing and winemaking.
Mike bought Pierro in 1979, which was merely a scrubby, rocky block. However he judged it to be the
finest block in the district, with it’s northerly aspect, creek and laterite gravel soil. He was anything but
conventional when it came to establishing Pierro. In fact, in many areas of the vineyard he went completely
against the customary methodology. From day one he has had firm – and sometimes contrary – views on
vineyard management. Mike is pro irrigation as he believes over the summer months before harvest in
Margaret River, vines close down for long periods during the day and controlled watering will avert this.
Unlike a number of other vineyards in the region he planted north-south orientated vine rows, which
he judged would receive up to 20% more sunlight. He also introduced vines with half the normal width
between the rows and two-thirds the breadth. This was to make the vines more competitive, balance their
fruit yield and promote flavour intensity. Soil, aspect, and a high number of vines per hectare are the critical
factors for achieving high quality at Pierro. The vines all face the sun on the mid to low slopes of the rolling
gravel hills formed by the dissecting creek system.
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2020 Chenin Blanc
95 Points – James Halliday Wine Companion 2022
2022 Blanc de Blanc
2023 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc ‘LTC’
95 Points – Ray Jordan, 2024 WA Wine Review
95 Points – Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion 2024
94 Points – Gary Walsh. The Wine Front 2024
2023 Pierro Chardonnay – LIMITED
WHITE WINE OF THE YEAR – 2025 WA WINE REVIEW
BEST CHARDONNAY – 2025 WA WINE REVIEW
98 Points – Ray Jordan, 2025 WA Wine Review
2020 ‘VR’ Chardonnay – SOLD OUT
2020 Pierro LTCF
93 Points – Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion 2023
2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
2019 VR Cabernet Sauvignon – VERY LIMITED
97 Points – Ray Jordan, 2024 WA Wine Review