UMAMU: Australia’s Best-Kept Wine Secret According to Nick Ryan

Happy Chinese New Year, everyone! We're absolutely thrilled to share that UMAMU was recently featured in The Australian Wine Column by Nick Ryan. To say it was a Chinese New Year gift is an understatement!

Reflecting on how we got here, it’s been a journey of hard work, patience, and a little dreaming along the way. As a young girl, I’d often ask my Mum, “Is it okay to dream?” She would always respond with, “Always.” Her words have stuck with me through every challenge and triumph.

But it wasn’t just my parents who instilled this mindset in me. When I was studying for my common entrance exams, Mum would tell me, “If you want something hard enough, you will work to get it.” That belief has carried me through my life, and today, it’s what makes this feature feel so rewarding.

As I read through the article, I couldn’t help but reflect on what Nick Ryan had written about UMAMU and the journey we’ve taken from the origins of our vineyard to where we are now. To be recognised as “one of Australia’s best-kept wine secrets” is humbling, but it also speaks to the essence of what we’ve always stood for: making wines with patience, care, and, most importantly, time.


The UMAMU Philosophy: A Timeless Approach to Winemaking

At UMAMU, we’ve always believed in taking our time. In an era where most wines are rushed to market, we opt for something different. As Nick Ryan beautifully puts it, “UMAMU wines are a rare treat” that wait until they are truly ready to be enjoyed. This philosophy, while unconventional, is what sets us apart from many other wine producers. We believe that wine, much like people, needs time to evolve and express its true potential.

Our approach is about crafting wines that reflect the care and dedication we’ve put into every bottle. As Nick notes, 
“It has always been the intention that UMAMU wines would be released with bottle age, at the moment when Charmaine Saw believes they are good and ready.”

A Rare Treat for Wine Lovers

Nick Ryan beautifully captures what makes UMAMU stand out in a crowded market, writing, “With no traditional distribution model, Saw is free to move the wines through a website that is a digital treasure trove.” We’ve always believed that great wine should be enjoyed when it’s ready—not rushed to market. And we’re proud that our wines are a rare treat for those who appreciate them.

The Wines that Stole the Show

Now, let’s talk about the wines Nick Ryan featured. These wines truly showcase what UMAMU is all about: patience, craftsmanship, and a true sense of place. Here are the highlights from the article:

UMAMU Chardonnay 2014 

“Grilled nuts and preserved lemon. A fragrant and remarkably fresh core of nectarine. The faintest suggestion of bees wax and crème brûlée indicating emergent maturity.”
This Chardonnay is entering its second decade with grace and confidence. With its balanced development and remarkable freshness, it’s a wine that will age beautifully for years to come.

UMAMU Cabernet Franc 2016 

“Beautifully svelte and sinewy, a wine that slots neatly into the medium-bodied mould of what once were called ‘luncheon clarets’.”
With violets, mulberries, and a touch of pipe tobacco, this wine has a delicate complexity, framed by dusty tannins that offer a beautifully soft finish.

UMAMU Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

“Cassis and bay leaf characters are still clearly defined in this wine; some fennel seed, too. A friable earthiness at its heart, and fine, fully resolved tannins tapering the finish.”
The 2011 vintage, one of Margaret River’s finest, is an exceptional wine that speaks to the region's unique terroir. It’s a must-try for any lover of classic Cabernet Sauvignon.


Join Us on Our Journey

If you’re in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, or Brisbane, we’d love to meet you in person! We’ll be showcasing our wines at the Good Food & Wine Show later this year, and we can’t wait to see you there. Here’s where you can find us:




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