Woodlands Brook Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

Founders David Watson and wife Heather had spectacular success with the cabernets he made in ’79 and the early ’80s. Commuting from Perth while raising a family became too much and for some years the grapes from Woodlands were sold to other Margaret River producers. With the advent of sons Stuart and Andrew in ’02–05 (Stuart primarily responsible for winemaking), the estate bounced back to pre-eminence, expanding with the purchase of the 17ha Woodlands Brook Vineyard in ’07. The top-end wines primarily come from the original Woodlands Vineyard, where the now-certified organic vines are 50+yr.

(Mendoza) clone of Chardonnay – 7 hectares,  close – planted plot of selection massale Chardonnay on the south facing slope of Woodlands Brook. Chardonnay at Woodlands Brook resides on a gentle south facing slope, similar to the ‘Chloe’ block at Woodlands – sandy loam over clay soils provides the perfect environment for the vines to flourish. The fruit has started to produce wines of delicacy and distinction.

THE REAL REVIEW

Woodlands Brook Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 – 95 / 100 Points

Complex and lifted aromas of struck match, grapefruit pith, melon skin, just-ripe nectarine and grilled nuts. There’s lovely complexity here. Generously flavoured, mouth-filling and multi-faceted. There’s a drive of citrus and stone fruit along with crunchy acidity and some textured grip. The oak wraps itself around the fruit superbly and delivers a wine of power, sophistication and real drinkability.

– Aaron Brasher