2024 Moss Wood Chardonnay, Margaret River

One of Margaret River’s benchmark chardonnays, and this release from a warm vintage is exceptional. It's fine and delicately poised, yet with regional DNA driving it through to a powerful, sustained finish. Aromas of lemon meringue, brioche and light florals lead into a palate of chalky, savoury elements alongside vanillin and lemony notes. Fine, precise acidity lifts the flavours through to the long finish. An outstanding wine.

97 points Ray Jordan rayjordanwine.com.au

Bright gold in the glass, with fresh apricots, vanilla and light cedary oak, with lemon rind, wet pebble and green almond. It's vibrant and powerful, with zesty acidity, chalky mineral lift and savoury depth, finishing with a precise bitter-peel note that adds to the tension and drive. A confident, layered wine with lift and structure sure to age beautifully 03 Jan 2026 Drinking 2026–2034

95 points Melissa Moore therealreview.com

Moss Wood Chardonnay is a quietly authoritative expression of Margaret River, shaped by one of the region’s most respected estates and decades of unwavering attention to detail. Moss Wood sits in the Wilyabrup Valley, where gravelly loam soils over clay and a strong maritime influence create ideal conditions for Chardonnay of tension, power and longevity. This is a site that has helped define Margaret River as a world class Chardonnay region.

The estate is owned and run by Clare and Keith Mugford, whose meticulous approach in both vineyard and winery has earned Moss Wood an almost cult like following. Every decision is deliberate, from low yielding vines to careful harvest timing, with a focus on consistency and ageing potential rather than chasing trends. Chardonnay here is treated with the same seriousness as the estate’s famous Cabernet.

The wine shows remarkable intensity and structure. Expect aromas of white peach, grapefruit and lemon curd, layered with cashew, subtle oak spice and a distinctive struck match complexity. The palate is powerful yet precise, driven by citrus and stone fruit, with firm acidity and a long, savoury finish. There is real concentration, but it is held in check by balance and restraint.

This is a superb wine for the table. Roast chicken, grilled lobster, rich seafood dishes, pork with apple and herbs, or buttery sauces all sit comfortably alongside its depth and acidity. It is a Chardonnay that demands food and rewards patience.

Moss Wood Chardonnay is approachable young with air, but it truly shines with time. Expect it to evolve beautifully over ten to fifteen years, developing layers of toast, nuts and savoury complexity. It is a benchmark Australian Chardonnay and a clear reflection of Moss Wood’s uncompromising standards.