Castelli Estate Great Southern Chardonnay 2023

A mix of vineyards from Albany, Denmark and Mt Barker, and a set of clones that includes WA’s renowned Gin Gin variation. The 2023 ripening season was colder and longer than average, and the fruit clearly appreciated it, coming from the glass at first with plenty of fruit punch and tight, earthy aromatics, followed by a surging palate wave of spiced peach and yellow grapefruit flavours. That spice is a subtle ginger thrill – thank the Gin Gin clone for that – as well as nuanced French oak in support, 35% of that new and humbly supportive. Now we add up all of this and the sum is bloody delicious, bright and refreshing wine that celebrates the Chardonnay grape in this particular regional home with a most respectful touch of winemaking. Bravo.