2024 Harewood Flux-III Chardonnay, Great Southern

Lots of peach, lots of honeydew melon, a vigorous shake of brown spice, a touch of toffee, clove and cedar here. There's richness to texture, but a very bright line of saline acidity makes things perkier and livelier. A bit of green mango bitterness follows through. It's a charismatic, four-square style, but ease of drinking and depth of fruit elevates the offering.

93 points Mike Bennie for Halliday Wine Companion

Some of Western Australia's most exciting Chardonnays are emerging from the cool vineyards of the Great Southern, where ancient soils and maritime influences produce wines of remarkable purity and restraint. Harewood Estate has quietly built a reputation for crafting elegant, regionally expressive wines, and the Flux range reflects a modern approach that places freshness, texture and vineyard character at the forefront.

The 2024 vintage delivered excellent conditions across the Great Southern, with warm sunny days balanced by cool nights that preserved natural acidity and aromatic intensity. Carefully selected fruit was handled gently in the winery, with thoughtful oak maturation and lees contact adding subtle complexity while allowing the vibrant fruit and mineral character to remain the focus.

Pale straw with bright green highlights, the bouquet reveals aromas of white peach, nectarine and grapefruit layered with lemon blossom, roasted cashew and delicate flinty notes. The palate is finely textured and beautifully balanced, combining citrus and stone fruit flavours with refreshing acidity and a creamy, savoury edge. There is a lovely mineral thread running through the wine, while the finish is long, precise and quietly persistent.

This is a superb partner for grilled King George whiting, seared scallops, roast chicken with tarragon, seafood risotto or a zucchini and ricotta tart. Equally rewarding as an aperitif, it captures the elegance, purity and effortless drinkability that make Great Southern Chardonnay one of Australia's most exciting styles.