2025 Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay, Margaret River

Hay Shed Hill sits five kilometres from the Indian Ocean on an elevated site in Margaret River, cooled each afternoon by the sea breeze that vineyards in this part of the region depend on for even, slow ripening.

Winemaker Michael Kerrigan is now entering his 20th vintage at Hay Shed Hill. Five Chardonnays are produced from the estate, with each reflecting a different aspect of the site. The Vineyard Series is the most accessible of the range with the well-known Gin Gin clone at its heart.

Free run juice only, pressed to French oak barriques with 30% new and matured for 10 months. No malolactic fermentation, no lees stirring; the intention is clarity and fruit purity rather than texture or weight. The result is a leaner, more restrained style that sits comfortably in the modern Australian Chardonnay register.

Pale straw with green tinges, the nose shows fresh pear, honeydew melon and zesty citrus with no obvious oak influence. The palate is fresh and lively with clean acidity, good extension and a bright, dry finish. Honest and well made good value within the Margaret River Chardonnay conversation.

Echo the fresh restrained style on theplate: grilled fish with light trimmimgs, steamed barramundi with ginger, a simple chicken dish or maybe some fresh goat's cheese on nice crackers.

Drink now through 2028.