MYSTERY GEM | GREAT SOUTHERN, CHARDONNAY 2024

Set within Western Australia’s Great Southern region, this single-vineyard Chardonnay from Frankland River captures the purity and drive of one of the state’s most distinctive cool-climate sites. The 2023/2024 season was warm and dry, bringing one of the earliest harvests on record, yet careful canopy management and precise irrigation ensured slow, even ripening and the retention of natural acidity. The result is a Chardonnay that balances regional generosity with freshness and finesse.

Pale straw with a green hue, it opens with lifted tropical fruit aromatics, leading into a palate where stone fruit and citrus are front and centre. Integrated toasty French oak adds a savoury, supportive frame, while a bright line of fresh grapefruit acidity carries through to a long, clean finish.

Winemaking was focused on preserving clarity of fruit while building texture: the grapes were harvested in the cool early morning and rushed to the winery for delicate processing. Gentle extraction delivered pristine juice with high solids, followed by cultured yeast fermentation in barrel. After fermentation, the barrels were sulphured, topped, and stirred weekly to develop complexity before ten months’ maturation in French oak, then blending and preparation for bottling.
At the table, this Chardonnay shines alongside seared scallops with celery root purée and a fresh Meyer lemon salad, where its citrus-driven line and subtle oak warmth echo the dish’s richness and brightness. Enjoy now for its vibrant fruit and structure, or cellar for up to three years for added depth.