2024 Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay, Margaret River

Light straw yellow colour. Nectarine, grilled cashew and warm wax aromatics. Full and weighty, deep stone fruits, nougat and a zip of lemon curd adds vibrancy to the palate. The flow focuses and narrows into the long finish 01 Apr 2025 Drink 2025–2032

91 points Stuart Knox therealreview.com

Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay from Margaret River is a clean, focused, and quietly sophisticated take on what the region does so well: Chardonnay with power and structure, but without heaviness. It’s modern Australian Chardonnay — bright fruit, flinty edge, well-integrated oak — all crafted to let the Gingin clone and the maritime climate speak with clarity.

Grown on mature vines from the estate vineyard in Wilyabrup, the fruit is hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed straight to French oak barriques, around 30 percent of them new. Wild fermentation and extended time on lees add depth and texture, but the winemaking is hands-off — this wine is shaped more by the site than the cellar.

It opens with aromas of white nectarine, lemon curd, struck flint and almond meal. The palate is layered and mineral, showing ripe citrus, stone fruit and subtle oak spice carried by bright acidity. There’s tension and drive from start to finish, with a saline edge that lingers long after the last sip.

Food pairing: excellent with grilled marron, chicken with tarragon and cream, pan-seared scallops or cauliflower purée with parmesan. Also pairs beautifully with washed rind cheeses or miso-glazed cod.

Cellar potential: delicious now but will age gracefully over the next 6 to 8 years, building in savoury complexity and soft nutty character.