Woodlands Brook Vineyard Chardonnay 2023

Woodlands’ Brook Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 is a tightly focused Margaret River expression from the family’s close-planted Brook site in Wilyabrup—built for purity, texture and quiet power rather than overt sweetness. Under the steady hand of Stuart Watson (Woodlands’ long-time winemaking custodian), it balances floral stone fruit and citrus lift with barrel-ferment complexity, finishing with the kind of natural drive that rewards both the table and the cellar.

Appearance:
Bright straw to deep gold with a polished sheen and youthful vibrancy.

Aroma:
White flowers, flinty citrus and nectarine, followed by grilled peach and apricot. Subtle barrel notes suggest toasted nuts, gentle spice and a hint of struck-match/stone.

Taste:
Generous yet controlled—ripe peach, rockmelon and orchard fruit glide across a creamy mid-palate, then tighten with brisk, natural acidity. Toasty oak and grilled chestnut nuances add depth without dominating, keeping the fruit pristine and the structure firm.

Finish:
Long, clean and muscular: citrus zest, stone fruit and savoury nutty complexity taper into a dry, chalky persistence.

Food Pairing:
Seared scallops with beurre blanc, roast chicken with tarragon, Thai fish cakes with coconut rice, crab linguine, or grilled corn with miso butter.