Chardonnay - Passel Estate - Margaret river - Australia

Vintage Notes

A cold winter allowed our vines to enjoy full dormancy, then a wet spring nourished the soil water reserves for the growing season. Sustained warm conditions moderated with night-time cooling from the ocean breezes, from ripening through to harvest, enabled the generous aromas and outstanding flavour development which define Margaret River. The lack of summer rains yielded beautifully balanced vines, with clean, healthy fruit. It also impacted the summer forage, meaning we had to net the vines despite low bird pressure to keep the hungry kangaroos away. The resulting wines show the vitality and energy of this amazing growing season.

Winemaking Notes

Our Chardonnay fruit was harvested in the early hours of the morning, loaded into the press cold, and gently separated from its skins. The very slightly cloudy juice was cold settled for a day and then racked. Fermentation took place in French oak barriques, 35% of which were new. The wine was then left to mature in barrel on its lees for 10 months, with bâttonage occurring every 2 weeks.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Light green with straw hints in colour
Bouquet: Aromas of white and yellow nectarines, lime leaf and curd, with hints of untoasted cashew, cinnamon and crème brûlée.
Palate: Fine tendrils of natural acidity provide a brisk, succulent introduction to a palate laced with grapefruit, white pears and yellow nectarine. Gentle spices and wafts of saline introduce an elegance and poise to the intense stone-fruit-driven palate; finishing bracing, fresh and moreish

Food Pairing Suggestions

– Roast chicken with garlic, lemon and herbs
– Creamy pasta with lobster, prawns or freshwater marron
– Soft white cheese such as the triple cream brie we often serve in our Classical Wine & Cheese Tasting

This wine offers both sophistication and versatility, making it an ideal companion for everything from casual mid-week dinner to special celebrations.

Cellaring & Serving Suggestions

The Passel Estate 2023 Chardonnay can be enjoyed now for its vibrancy or cellared 5–8 years to develop in creamy richness and complexity.

– Serve only lightly chilled (10–14°C) to highlight the wine’s depth of flavour and texture.
– Cellaring potential: Expect further complexity of flavour, nutty richness and creamy elegance  to develop over time.