further. In 1965 the Journal of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science published his paper “The Climate and Soils of South-Western Australia in Relation to Vine Growing”. Gladstone’s perceptive understanding of weather patterns and soil profiles of the region was a remarkable validation for the area’s potential. In 1966 he predicted that ‘Margaret River will with time become one of the world’s great wine regions’. State Viticulturalist Bill Jamieson and viticulturalist / winemaker Dorham Mann, the son of legendary winemaker Jack Mann, were instrumental in getting the region going, advising new vignerons on the best places to plant vines and how to manage their vineyards. When Dr Thomas Cullity, a Perth cardiologist, planted his original Vasse Felix vineyard in 1967 on ‘red gravel in red gum country’ in the Wilyabrup sub-region, he began a movement that kicked-started wine making in the Margaret River region. Leeuwin Estate was among the first wave of new vignerons to activate the terroir and create new beginnings. Cape Mentelle, Cullen, Leeuwin Estate, Moss Wood, and Vasse Felix, the original quintet, represent a symbol of Australian agricultural wealth and individuality. Denis and Tricia Horgan Denis Horgan was born in 1940 and grew up in Perth’s Claremont and Nedlands suburbs. After his father died at a young age, he worked to helped provide income for his family while studying accountancy part-time. His first job, at age 14, was as an office boy for Sir Charles Court, a chartered accountant and later premier of Western Australia. After graduating as a chartered accountant, Denis Horgan established a local practice which became one of the State’s leading M&A firms. After marrying Tricia Hollett, whom he met while auditing a finance business, they formed an enduring partnership based on trust, optimism and entrepreneurial vision. But their entry into wine was purely accidental. Denis Horgan, described by his colleagues in his younger years as a beer-drinking surfie, was arguably the least likely person to venture into a wine business. But happenstance intervened. An offer to acquire Western Australia’s ‘largest high-rise plumber’ was initially ignored until it was discovered that the sale included a farm close to some of the finest surfing beaches in the State. In 1969 Tricia and Denis Horgan travelled down to Margaret River and fell in love with
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Volume 1 – Leeuwin Estate
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