2024 Cherubino Chardonnay, Margaret River

Larry Cherubino Chardonnay from Margaret River is a sleek, finely crafted white that captures the essence of this renowned coastal region with purity, elegance and restrained power. Larry Cherubino, one of Western Australia’s most awarded and consistent winemakers, brings precision and a deep understanding of site to every wine he makes, and his Chardonnay is no exception.

Sourced from premium vineyards in Margaret River’s cooler southern subregions, the fruit benefits from gravelly soils, ocean breezes and a long, slow ripening season. These conditions produce Chardonnay with bright acidity, citrus-driven aromatics and layered complexity. Cherubino works with low yields and hand-picked fruit, focusing on finesse over richness.

The winemaking is detailed and sensitive. Whole-bunch pressed and wild fermented in French oak barriques, with partial malolactic fermentation and ageing on lees, the wine is built for both texture and energy. Oak is present but subtle, woven seamlessly into the structure of the wine.

In the glass, it offers aromas of white nectarine, lemon curd, cashew and struck flint. The palate is fine and long, with citrus and stone fruit at its core, supported by creamy lees texture, fresh acidity and a saline, mineral finish. It’s a sophisticated and age-worthy Chardonnay that rivals top examples from the Yarra and Adelaide Hills.

Pair it with grilled lobster, roast chicken with tarragon, or miso-glazed cod. It will drink well young with a decant, but has the structure and finesse to evolve gracefully over the next 7 to 10 years.