By Fergal Gleeson
Robert Oatley Vineyards Finisterre Chardonnay 2017 RRP $37
Finisterre Chardonnay is a complex wine with white peach flavours and a persistent finish. It’s a finer and more sculpted version than their Signature Chardonnay and I’d recommend upgrading to Finisterre for a few dollars more. New oak will integrate more with time.
Robert Oatley was the owner of the Sydney to Hobart winning Wild Oats raising yachts as well as the founder of the famous Rosemount Estate. Robert Oatley Vineyards has offerings from other regions including McLaren Vale for Shiraz and the Yarra Valley for Pinot but holds a strong tilt to Western Australia. Cellar door open daily. Venue also hosts weddings and events.
http://www.robertoatley.com.au
Howard Park Chardonnay 2018 RRP $58
Howard Park’s highly awarded Winemaker Janice McDonald does a lot of things very well- a suite of beautiful Cabernets, the impressive method traditionelle ‘Jete’ range and Great Southern Rieslings to name a few.
But I think she does Chardonnay best of all. The 2018 Chardonnay is absolutely delicious with great length and balance. There’s a roll call of flavours- nectarine, grapefruit, nuts and wholemeal, it’s oh so alive. Bullseye! Architecturally awarded cellar door open daily. A variety of tasting options are available including their “Icon Wine” tasting and prebooking options for larger groups.
Moss Wood Chardonnay 2018 RRP $85
Luxuriant and satisfying Chardonnay here from Moss Wood. Margaret River Chardonnay of this quality is a force to be reckoned with. Lashings of peach, toasty oak, wholemeal and nut flavours. But the fruit is of such quality and bell clear that it pulls all the parts together. Their 2017 Chardonnay was voted Australia’s best by the Halliday Companion. 2018 should also be a contender.
Moss Wood is one of Margaret River’s oldest wineries with their first plantings made 50 years ago. Their range of reds includes three impressive Cabernets, a Merlot and Pinot Noir as well as very good Semillon and an SBS. Visits to Moss Wood are by appointment.
Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2017 RRP $110
Another cracking Chardonnay from Xanadu. The 2017 Reserve comes from the best of the Lagan vineyard. This will appeal to those who like “Chablis” style whites as it’s linear and intense with oyster shell characters. The grapefruit flavour and acid freshness override the oak making for an exceptionally vibrant wine.
The Xanadu Stevens Road 2017 is an interesting comparison, receiving the same winemaking approach but is fractionally riper. Founded in 1977, Xanadu’s Cellar Door and acclaimed Restaurant are open daily (Top 50 West Australian Food Guide 2017 & 2018 and a Chef Hat- Australian Good Food Guide 2019).
From Your Margaret River Region Magazine
greatwineblog 