Woodlands Wilyabrup Valley Chardonnay 2023 (Margaret River)

Woodlands have been making this Chardonnay since 2002. Their goal each vintage is 100% Wilyabrup Valley fruit, 100% Mendoza (Wente) clone, 100% barrel fermentation, and 100% spontaneous fermentation.

2023 was another classic vintage, and perfect for Chardonnay. Flowering conditions were excellent, and thereafter conditions remained warm and dry throughout the growing season.

Once harvested and in the winery, the fruit was sorted and gently de-stemmed before being gently pressed. A small portion of this wine was also pressed as whole bunches, which we feel adds finesse. 100% of ferments proceeded without addition in French oak, with some malolactic fermentation occurring though not promoted. This wine spent a total of 7 months in barrel.