CHARDONNAY 2020

“…from Wilyabrup is a clean yellowish green colour with aromas of grassy fruit and crisp refreshing acidity. The palate is typical oaked Chardonnay, due to 11 months maturation in French oak barriques with no lees stirring or malolactic fermentation.”

Light yellow hue. Passionfruit and grapefruit aromas, bright chardonnay fruit, with a very Margaret River overtone. Possibly it’s due to the Gingin clone Yeastiness evident on the palate, the finish dry, firm and nicely clean. Acidity is jazzy, even a little tangy. A frisky, lively wine with Chablis-like acidity and line.

One sniff of the glass and it is obvious we have a very fine Margaret River Chardy on our hands. It is crafted from a vineyard in the Wilyabrup region, planted in 1990, and also planted with the famous gin gin clone, which is behind most of the best Margaret River Chardonnay. Free run juice, 11 months in French oak, 25% new and the rest a mix of first and second use. No lees stirring and no malolactic with a total of only 2,640 bottles.Good intensity here and lovely oak. At this early stage, there might be a smidge more oak than some would like (others will be delighted). Either way, there is the fruit to match and early complexity coming through. That lovely melon, citrus and stonefruit that is a hallmark of the clone is on show here, as is the concentration and power it provides. Seamless with reallygood length; even better in 6 to 12 months and should then drink beautifully for many more.