Woodlands 'Wilyabrup Valley' Chardonnay, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia 2023

• WINEMAKERS: Stuart and Andrew Watson
• FARMING: Organic Practicing
• VARIETY: 100% Chardonnay
• TERROIR: 25 year old vines, laterite topsoil and gravel subsoil.
• VINIFICATION: Native – French barrique (partial whole-bunch pressed). 
• AGING: 10 months in 50% French barrique (30% new) and 50% stainless-steel
• TASTING NOTES: Pale gold in color. Initially shy, it blossoms with yellow peach, apricot, and nectarine aromas. The palate offers ripe orchard fruits, elderflower, and grilled cashews, balanced by crisp citrus acidity.
• SCORES: Vinous, 92 points

From our 2024 Bottle Cult Notes:

About a three hours’ drive from Perth is the Margaret River area of Western Australia. Most people will tell you that there is really NOTHING out there other than vineyards and good surfing. They’re right—and that’s the charm. Folks who are out there really love the land, and it shows in the way they make their wine. Woodlands Wines is a celebrated boutique winery located in the heart of the Margaret River region in Western Australia. 

Woodlands Wines, located in the heart of the Wilyabrup Valley, is one of the region's original wineries. Founded in 1973 by David and Heather Watson, the winery has grown into a celebrated boutique producer renowned for its organically certified vineyards and low-intervention winemaking. They focus on crafting premium wines, particularly elegant Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays. Their top-tier wines often come from the original estate vineyard, which features vines over 50 years old, delivering exceptional depth and character​. 

The Wilyabrup Valley’s terroir plays a starring role in this Chardonnay. The region enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate, with cooling ocean breezes that help retain acidity in the fruit, while the ancient gravelly soils provide structure and minerality. Woodlands’ estate vineyards include vines over 50 years old, deeply rooted in the valley’s soil, which yield fruit with intensity and complexity. Fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel and French oak barrels, the wine marries freshness with a creamy texture. It opens with aromas of citrus zest, white peach, and nectarine, layered with subtle notes of almond, flint, and a hint of vanilla from the oak. The palate is vibrant yet refined, with a perfect balance of bright acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish.

This Chardonnay is a natural choice for pairing with fresh seafood like butter-poached lobster or seared scallops. It also complements creamy dishes like chicken in a white wine and tarragon sauce or a classic mushroom risotto. For a simple but satisfying option, try it with a cheese platter featuring Brie or Camembert. —Simi Grewal, DECANTsf