-
98
/ 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. The Hazel’s Vineyard is in the southern part of the Margaret River region. These chardonnay vines grow on coarse lateritic soils with a northerly aspect. The wines are hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and no additions of yeast, acid, yeast nutrient etc. Light bentonite fining only. Mandarin skin, pink grapefruit and mealy aromas give way to white nectarine and a seductive nougat element. Flinty and complex, this Chardonnay is powerful in fruit concentration and restrained by a precise acid line. A layered wine with persistence, impressive power, and structure and a true representation of this exceptional gravelly vineyard in southern Margaret River. Score History 2022: 95 pts - The Real Review, 2021: 95+ pts - The Wine Front, 2020: 97 pts - Wine Advocate by Robert Parker, 2019: 95 pts - Halliday Wine Companion, 2018: 96 pts - Halliday Wine Companion 2017: 96 pts – Real Review
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
98 / 100"The vineyard stamps its character on this from the get-go. Notes of lemon scents with lightly roasted cashew and faint struck match. The palate is intense and with a fine acidity and minerally character defining it through its linear range. Beautifully integrated and tightly coiled before releasing through to a sustained finish. A wine that will really show its true worth in another few years."
- Ray Jordan
95 / 100
"“The 2023 Hazel's Vineyard Chardonnay shows more flesh and ripe positioning than the Calgardup Brook tasted alongside it. Here, cilantro, kiwi fruit, white pineapple, white flesh stone fruit and chamomile tea adorn the bouquet. The wine is imbued with piercing acidity and a silky, lush nougat-marzipan character. The purity and flow of the wine from a textural standpoint is one of the highlights. This is polished, svelte and very smart. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.” 95 Points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate"
- Erin Larkin
95 / 100
"“Planted 1999. Hazel puts me in mind of Hazel Hawke, likely a long suffering wife. And also eyes. My stupid, but successful brother has hazel eyes, as did my dad. Mine are blue, like my mum. Curiously I was always my mum’s favourite, whereas my brother was the golden/hazel boy for my dad. Strange details to add to a wine review, but hey, that’s what I do. White nectarine, lime, a very Margaret River feel to this, some aniseed and cedar, and a bit of flinty grip to texture. There’s lime and lime rind, salted cashew, and a juicy yellow fruited finish of excellent length. A bit spicy and warm on the finish, but a beautiful expression of MR chard all up.” 95 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front"
- Gary Walsh
