West Cape Howe 2022/23 Old School Chardonnay

A traditional Great Southern Chardonnay from Mount Barker, Western Australia, where cool-climate influences help preserve vibrant fruit brightness even in riper vintages. Fruit is selectively harvested from designated vineyard blocks and fermented in French oak barrels, with around 20–40 % new oak contributing structure and complexity. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation, which softens acidity and adds creamy texture, and is aged on lees—often with stirring—to integrate oak and fruit while building body and mouthfeel. This style nods to classic “old school” Chardonnay techniques, balancing ripe fruit expression with nuanced oak influence and length on the palate.

Tasting Notes:
In the glass, it shows a light straw to pale gold colour with aromas of ripe melon, peach, and nectarine, layered with butterscotch, honeycomb, and subtle cashew-nut characters from oak and malolactic fermentation. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with rich stonefruit and citrus core framed by creamy lees texture and gentle toasty oak. Flavours of apricot, crème brûlée, and nougat meld with balanced acidity, offering a generous, lingering finish that feels both ripe and refined—classic in style but with refreshing edge.