2023 Chardonnay | Wadandi Country

Margaret River, Western Australia

Some of the oldest geology on Earth, where rolling vineyards sit atop ancient granite bedrocks that form part of the Yilgarn Craton - a geological formation over 2.5 billion years old. These bedrocks have weathered into ironstone gravel, loamy sands, and limestone-rich soils, often layered in deep laterite. Soils here retain moisture well yet drain freely, fostering slow, even ripening. Cooling maritime breezes that flow off the Indian Ocean temper summer heat and extend ripening periods. Wines from this region are shaped as much by ocean wind and ancient granite as by vine or barrel. This is Wadandi munda, enduring, elemental, and quietly exacting.

2023 delivered one of Margaret River’s most consistent vintages in recent memory. Winter rainfall replenished soil moisture, setting up healthy vine canopies ahead of a dry, mild summer. These stable growing conditions resulted in an extended ripening window, perfect for Chardonnay. The fruit was harvested with excellent natural acidity, refined flavour development, and a bright, saline edge that reflects both site and season. 

Complex and enticing, the nose reveals savoury mineral tones, oatmeal, and spice layered with white peach and delicate citrus florals.

The palate offers flavours of white stone fruit and pear, with subtle cashew notes from oak influence. A gently textured mid-palate leads to a bright, focused finish, driven by fine lemon-sherbet acidity.

Fermentation

Barrel fermented in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barriques.

Oak Treatment

Matured for nine months on lees in barrel before blending; further three months' maturation in tank before bottling.

Cellaring

Seven to ten years in optimum cellaring conditions

Serving

10 - 13 °C, in a generously sized glass

Alcohol

13.5%

Closure Stelven

Download formatted Tasting Note

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