Juniper Cornerstone Wilyabrup Vineyard Chardonnay 2023

If you’re looking for a big Margaret River Chardonnay – turn around. This isn’t it. Sea shells, rolled oats, and grapefruit. This wine is all about structure, freshness, and tension. Actually? It’s about acid – really good electric acid! It took me by surprise. Sapid. I think I’m in love. Lemon pith, yoghurt parfait, dried vanilla bean. It’s fresh. Clean. I must admit – I’m a fiend for wines like this. And to think of its future ahead. 74% Clone 95, and no malolactic conversion – explains the leanness – and potentially why the oak is giving a grand and invited hi-how-are-ya. Winemaker Andrew Bretherton is doing great things, and I look forward to the upcoming vintages with his reign. Long finish. It’s the acid again on the finish – shameless. Drink ruthlessly, and with fresh seafood. This is a good one for cellaring. If you’re into that.

Cyndal Petty

Wine Critic at Winepilot

A hopeless romantic for wine and food, Cyndal is nearing 15 years in hospitality while still (just) under 30. A Chef-turned-Sommelier and award-winning wine professional, Cyndal recently left a Group Sommelier role where she curated seven wine lists across multiple venues and led the wine team to Gourmet Traveller Wine Bar of the Year—just months after opening. Now freelance, Cyndal is a wine consultant, event host, wine judge, and wine writer. Passionate about sharing wine’s story with the world, she brings a fresh voice and creative solutions to the industry. After studying and traveling through most of her 20s, she’s now based in WA’s southwest, proudly embracing her role as a WA coastal cowgirl.

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