Woodlands Wilyabrup Valley Chardonnay 2023

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.

2023 Wilyabrup Valley Chardonnay has a sophisticated mix of elegance and restrained power and is produced solely from prime established vineyards, 100% Wilyabrup Valley Chardonnay, 100% fermented in barrel, with 0% additions during ferment. The colour of this young Chardonnay is between pale gold and straw, it’s bright, intense, and the nose is floral, with lifted honeysuckle dancing over white peach and nectarine. “Struck match” oak ferment and toasty brioche notes linger in the background.

Wine Enthusiast

Woodlands 2023 Wilyabrup Valley Chardonnay – 94 / 100 Points

From the golden circle that is the Wilyabrup subregion of Margaret River, this Chardy opens with struck match and wet stone characters. They’re countered by bright lemon peel and melon with a subtle creamy, toasty underbelly. There’s a lovely pithy texture, citrus and white spice that flor towards a long finish. A classy, quite Burgundian style capable of aging for at least a decade, but with heaps of charm right now. —

– Christina Pickard

Wine Enthusiast Rating System:
98–100 Classic
94–97 Superb
90–93 Excellent
87–89 Very Good
83–86 Good
80–82 Acceptable
NV Not Vintage Year