2023 Ashbrook Estate Verdelho, Margaret River

Lots of lemony flavours from juice, zest to pith, all flecked with fresh herbs. Simple, yet the palate is quite racy and super refreshing.

87 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

The Ashbrook Estate Verdelho from Margaret River is a vibrant, fruit-driven white that captures the sunshine and freshness of this coastal region. Ashbrook Estate, family-owned since the late 1970s, is one of Margaret River’s oldest established vineyards and has always had a reputation for crafting wines with purity and balance. Verdelho, a variety originally from Portugal and Madeira, thrives in the region’s Mediterranean climate, producing wines with bright aromatics and lively acidity.

In the glass it is pale straw with green tinges. The nose is expressive and lifted, offering ripe tropical notes of passionfruit, guava and melon, alongside citrus zest, fresh herbs and hints of floral spice. On the palate it is medium-bodied and juicy, with layers of tropical and citrus fruit balanced by crisp acidity and a refreshing mineral edge. The finish is long, clean and mouth-watering, showcasing both brightness and drinkability.

Food pairings suit its summery vibrancy: grilled prawns, chilli crab, Thai green curry, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, or fresh salads with lime and herbs. It is also excellent with soft goat’s cheese or as a refreshing companion to antipasto. Best enjoyed young for its freshness, it can also age for 3 to 5 years, developing rounder textures and gentle honeyed notes.