2025 Hay Shed Hill Block 6 Chardonnay, Margaret River

This starts out rather fine and flinty with a light spray of citrus. Then it builds on the palate with layers of flavour from the oak, the lees and more fruit intensity. Mouth-watering sulphides, a stony sensation and racy acidity to the finish. Nice one.

95 points Jane Faulkner Halliday Wine Companion 

There is a real intensity and purpose in this excellent chardonnay. But there is elegance and reserve at the same time. Aromas of quince paste and grapefruit with those subtle cashew characters in the background. Beautifully defined palette releases through to a sustained finish with a savoury influence over the dry chalky lemon zip characters.

95 points Ray Jordan WA Wine Review 2025

Hay Shed Hill sits in the Wilyabrup Valley, the most celebrated sub-region of Margaret River for Chardonnay and Cabernet. Winemaker Michael Kerrigan, a former Howard Park winemaker, has been making wine here since 2006 and now enters his 20th vintage at the property. The Block Series wines are made from individual parcels on the estate, each selected for their distinctive character.

Block 6 was planted in 1975 to the Gin Gin clone. The dry grown block faces south, an unusual aspect that reduces direct sunlight and creates a naturally cool microclimate where the vines ripen slowly and produce very small yields. At 50 years of age the vines are among the oldest on the estate. The 2025 growing season followed a run of good conditions across Wilyabrup. Free run juice only, barrel fermented and matured in French oak, the winemaking is designed to stay out of the way of the fruit from a block that rarely needs assistance.

Brilliant pale straw with a faint green hue, the nose is mineral and restrained with white pear, citrus and a savoury flinty thread with no overt oak or butter. The palate is vibrant and focused with old vine depth and complexity that reveals itself gradually without ever being overworked. Fine texture, clean acidity and a long, precise finish.

Keep things at the table reasonably simple and fresh with grilled scallops or a nice piece of fish. Likely to pair well with Cantonese seafood after a couple of years in the bottle.

Drink now through 2032.