2024 Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Chardonnay, Margaret River

Moss Wood Ribbon Vale Chardonnay is a refined, cool-climate white from Margaret River that combines the region’s hallmark richness with beautifully judged restraint. Sourced from the Ribbon Vale vineyard in the cooler southern end of Wilyabrup, this is a Chardonnay that shows purity, elegance and precision rather than overt power. It’s Moss Wood’s take on modern Margaret River Chardonnay — textural, mineral and quietly complex.

The fruit is hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, with fermentation in French oak barrels (around 40 to 50 percent new). Winemaker Keith Mugford employs wild yeast, full malolactic fermentation, and extended lees contact with stirring to build mid-palate weight and creamy complexity, while still retaining bright acidity and a clean line of citrus.

In the glass, it shows aromas of white peach, lemon curd, toasted hazelnut, struck flint and subtle spice. The palate is focused and layered, with fine acidity, stone fruit depth, a touch of grilled citrus, and savoury oak integration. There’s a lovely balance between creamy lees texture and crisp mineral drive, finishing long and saline.

Food pairing: Excellent with grilled lobster, roast chicken with lemon and tarragon, scallops with cauliflower purée, or a leek and Gruyère tart. Aged Comté or soft-rind cheeses also match beautifully.

Cellar potential: Drinking beautifully now with a short decant, but will evolve gracefully over 6 to 8 years, gaining nutty, savoury depth and honeyed complexity.