2024 West Cape Howe King Billy Chardonnay, Mount Barker

Single-vineyard terroir expression is the objective of the flagship King Billy wines. The '24 vintage is the first time the quality of chardonnay from the Mount Barker site has been deemed particularly exceptional and marks the first King Billy bottling of the variety. Luminous pale gold, it carries a breeze of ozone and sea spray, priming the senses. Preserved lemon, loquat, white stone fruit, lime zest and candied ginger radiate through the core of the wine, mingling with the oak's ginger snap spice and vanillin influence. Texturally, it's saline and lip-smacking, and a veil of creamy lees softens and curtails. It's beautiful and interesting, and it meets the site-expression brief with ease.

96 points Special Value Katrina Butler winecompanion.com.au

West Cape Howe is one of Western Australia’s long standing regional specialists, established in 1997 and sourcing fruit from across the Great Southern, including the cool, elevated vineyards of Mount Barker. The estate has built its reputation on meticulous site selection and a focus on regional purity. Winemaker Gavin Berry guides the style with a philosophy centred on balance, texture and clarity, allowing Mount Barker’s cool maritime influence to shine through Chardonnay.

King Billy is named after the towering native eucalyptus tree found in the south west, reflecting the winery’s deep connection to place. Fruit is harvested at optimal ripeness to preserve natural acidity and aromatic lift. Whole bunch pressing protects finesse, fermentation is carefully managed, and maturation in French oak adds structure and subtle spice without overpowering the fruit. Lees contact builds texture while maintaining freshness and line.

Pale gold in colour, the aromas open with white peach, nectarine and lemon zest layered with cashew, vanilla and a hint of flint. The palate is medium bodied and well structured, with citrus and stone fruit wrapped in bright acidity and a creamy yet focused texture. Flavours extend into a long, clean finish with a gentle mineral edge.

It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled seafood, creamy pasta and soft cheeses. Drinking impressively now for its balance and generosity, it will cellar comfortably for eight to twelve years, developing nutty and savoury complexity.

This is Mount Barker Chardonnay with cool climate polish, textural, refined and distinctly Great Southern.