-
97
/ 100
-
96
/ 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% Calgardup Brook. This vineyard lies just inland from the coast. Its sandy, schisty soils are well weathered. These chardonnay vines run east-west with a slightly sloping northern aspect.
The nose opens with notes of sea spray, jasmine, and nashi pears. Wild fermentation with full solids provides flinty, matchstick complexities and the extended time spent on fine lees with regular Batonnage add volume and definition to the palate. A distinctive saline, savoury acidity and attractive chalk-like minerality are the benchmark characters of this unique Southern Margaret River vineyard near the Indian Ocean.
Score History 2022: 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 WC
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
97 / 100"“Traditionally the more delicate of the three top-tier chardonnays. This is a wonderful example of the vineyard and style. Fragrant and intense on the nose with floral grapefruit, cashew and light lemon curd influences. There’s a little of that limestone character as well adding to its crystalline feel. The palate is tightly wound and deeply powerful with a tight inner core. Finishes with a little savouriness that balances it perfectly.’"
- Ray Jordan
96 / 100
"Of all the 2023 single releases from McHenry Hohnen, this is the most stylish wine with an equal mix of subtlety and power. Beautifully refined as it offers up wafts of lemon rind and grapefruit with seaspray complexity and well integrated French oak. Compact and focussed in shape as firm acidity underpins concentrated salted grapefruit and chalky complexity over a lengthy and sustained finish. Young, and built for the long haul. $100 Drink by: 2028-2038"
- Angus Hughson
