2024 Howard Park Chardonnay, Margaret River

Light yellow-straw colour; burnt toast and singed hair aromas, a permutation of reductive character? Good intensity and focus of palate flavour, the tightly coiled lemony intensity combines with vibrant acidity to give line and length. 02 Jul 2025 Drink 2025–2034

91 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Howard Park Chardonnay is a beautifully poised expression of Margaret River, capturing the region’s natural elegance and quiet power without ever feeling overworked. The vineyards sit across some of Margaret River’s most consistent Chardonnay sites, where gravelly loam soils over clay provide excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to carry vines through the dry summer months. Cooling sea breezes from the Indian Ocean slow ripening and lock in acidity, giving the wine its trademark balance and line.

Howard Park is one of Western Australia’s founding fine wine estates, established in 1986 by Jeff Burch, whose vision was to champion regional expression and long lived wines. Chardonnay has always been central to that story. The style here is deliberate and measured. Fruit is picked for freshness, wild fermentation is often employed, and French oak is used carefully to build texture and complexity rather than sweetness or weight. Everything is about harmony rather than impact.

In the glass, the wine is refined and quietly complex. White peach, nectarine and citrus oil lead the way, followed by subtle notes of cashew, almond meal and a gentle struck stone character. With air, savoury nuances emerge. Brioche, flint and a faint saline edge that speaks clearly of Margaret River’s coastal influence. The palate is beautifully composed. There is a creamy mid palate flow, but it is held firmly in check by bright, natural acidity that gives precision and length. Oak is seamlessly integrated, supporting the wine rather than announcing itself. The finish is long, clean and mineral, tapering into citrus peel and subtle nutty complexity.

This is a Chardonnay that shines at the table. It pairs effortlessly with roast chicken, grilled lobster, scallops, crayfish or richer vegetable dishes where texture matters. While it is drinking very well now, it also has the structure to age gracefully over eight to twelve years, developing more savoury, nutty depth while retaining its freshness and clarity.

Howard Park Chardonnay is confident, understated and deeply regional. It is Margaret River Chardonnay done with restraint and intent, offering finesse, balance and long term appeal rather than chasing obvious richness.