-
96
/ 100
-
95
/ 100
-
95
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Tagging themselves as ‘Sustainable Farmers’ the approach was to treat their vineyards organically from the beginning. Certification came later, but for the Sustainable Farmers it was the only way. McHenry Hohnen wines are certified organic, with all fruit from the Hazel vineyard being farmed biodynamically, with certification from 2019. 100% Burnside Vineyard. Located on the bend of the Margaret River, this old vineyard grows on unique micaceous and granitic soils. The chardonnay rows are on a steep northerly aspect running in a north-west, southeast orientation. Voluptuous and expressive, this wine shows fresh almond pastry, white nectarine, and Nougat aromatics. Wild fermentation adds a flinty complexity and the extended time on fine lees contributes a delicious savoury character to the palate, which is powerful yet defined by a fine frame of natural acidity. From an old heritage vineyard on the south bank of the Margaret River itself, this Chardonnay captures the distinctive character of this site. Score History 2022: 95 pts - The Real Review 2021: 95 pts - Wine Advocate by Robert Parker 2020: 96+ pts – Wine Advocate by Robert Parker 2019: 95+ pts – Wine Advocate by Robert Parker 2018: 95 pts - Halliday Wine Companion 2017: 95 pts - Halliday Wine Companion
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: White
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: Australia
Region: Western Australia, Margaret River
Alcohol %: 13.5%
Cellaring: 5-10 Years
Scores
96 / 100"“Burnside, not to be confused with the rather ‘select’ shopping centre in Adelaide. Planted 1981. Lime, white peach, mint and aniseed, almond paste, a kiss of smoky struck match. It has something of a green bean and parmesan rind sulphide character (which I’m, admittedly, not a huge fan of), but it has intensity, lime rind, a salted cracker character, vibrating ‘mineral’ acidity, so much grip and flinty texture, and a finish of super length, all lime margarita and chalk. Savoury, saline and so intense. If you love the modern Margaret River style, then this will absolutely hit the spot.” 96 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front"
- Gary Walsh
95 / 100
"“This intense and young 2023 Burnside Vineyard Chardonnay is a powerhouse and densely flavoured with layers of Summer peach, fruit salad, and roasted nuts with a strong backbone of toasty French oak. Mouth filling and flavoursome with creamy textures building to a lengthy finish. A huge crowd pleaser with something for everyone. $100, Drink by: 2025-2032.” 95 Points, Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot"
- Angus Hughson
95 / 100
"“The 2023 Burnside Vineyard Chardonnay is from the Burnside vineyard, which was planted in 1981, and the wine speaks clearly of pink grapefruit, salted cashews, yellow-flesh peach, mustard seed and a hint of marzipan. The wine is piercingly intense and populated by penetrating fruit characters that linger long through the finish. The fruit is only "'just ripe" in that the acidity skates a very fine line between green and juicy. I find this to be a little distracting, despite being somewhat infatuated by the personality of the fruit flavors themselves. There's a lot going on here, and on balance, this is my favorite of the cuvées this vintage. I find the level of sapidity here to be outrageously impressive. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.” 95 Points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate"
- Erin Larkin
