2023 Woodlands Brook Vineyard Chardonnay, Margaret River

At first, the sweet, cedary oak struts its stuff, muffling the fruit within. It did settle with some air, allowing the citrus and white stone fruit to appear alongside the spice, especially fennel, and nutty, creamy, nougat-like lees. Although, it’s tightly wound, with acidity leading, and while the palate is layered with flavour, this will improve with some bottle age.

93 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Woodlands Brook Vineyard Chardonnay is a single-site expression from one of Margaret River’s most respected family producers. The Brook Vineyard, planted in the early 1990s on the region’s classic gravelly loam soils over clay, sits in the heart of Wilyabrup, an area famed for producing Chardonnay of finesse and longevity. The cooling Indian Ocean breezes moderate ripening, allowing the fruit to develop layered flavour while retaining pristine natural acidity.

Crafted by winemaker Stuart Watson, the fruit is hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed before undergoing wild fermentation in French oak barriques, with a careful balance of new and seasoned oak to frame the wine’s purity. Extended lees contact enhances texture, while partial malolactic fermentation brings complexity without compromising freshness. The result is a Chardonnay that reflects both the vineyard’s character and Woodlands’ restrained, terroir-focused approach.

Aromas of white peach, lemon zest, and nectarine are laced with subtle struck flint, almond, and vanilla bean. The palate is refined yet intense, with a core of citrus and stone fruit carried by bright acidity and a savoury, mineral backbone. Hints of brioche and cashew emerge as it opens, leading to a long, saline finish.

It pairs beautifully with butter-poached lobster, roast chicken with tarragon, or a saffron-infused seafood risotto. For a vegetarian option, try it alongside roasted pumpkin with sage and parmesan. While drinking beautifully now, it will reward careful cellaring for 8–10 years, gaining richer nutty and honeyed nuances.