2024 Thompson Estate Chardonnay, Margaret River

Chardonnay has been a strong suit at Thompson Estate from the outset, when founder Peter Thompson went after this variety relentlessly. This is a wine from the warmer '24 season, but was picked earlier in the year before the heat took hold, and so the wine is quite restrained and vibrant, displaying lively melon and grapefruit nuances with just a little lemon meringue. Palate has that deep and powerful Margaret River intensity. It's structured, has good acidity and a slightly chalky, minerally mouthfeel. This is a wine that can comfortably handle cellaring in the medium term.

93 points rayjordanwine.com.au

Thompson Estate is a small, family owned Margaret River producer founded by Jane and Simon Thompson in the late 1990s, with winemaker Simon Thompson shaping a focused, vineyard driven style from the outset. Based in the heart of Wilyabrup, the estate works gravelly loam soils influenced by the Indian Ocean, a combination that builds flavour while preserving natural acidity. Chardonnay has long been central to the region’s identity, and Thompson Estate approaches it with precision rather than excess, aiming for clarity and balance.

Fruit is harvested parcel by parcel to capture freshness and texture. Whole bunch pressing protects finesse, fermentation is carefully managed to build complexity, and maturation in French oak adds subtle structure without overwhelming the fruit. Lees contact contributes a gentle creaminess, but the backbone remains firm and mineral. The philosophy is about letting site and season define the wine.

Pale gold in colour, the aromas open with white peach, nectarine and lemon curd layered with cashew, flint and light spice. The palate is medium bodied and tightly framed, with citrus and stone fruit wrapped in bright acidity and a creamy yet focused texture. Flavours extend into a long, mineral finish that feels clean and precise.

It pairs beautifully with seafood, roast chicken and butter based sauces. Already impressive for its balance and lift, it will cellar confidently for eight to twelve years, developing nutty and savoury depth.

This is Margaret River Chardonnay shaped by coastal influence and careful hands, refined, textural and built to age.