Oates Ends Margaret River Chardonnay 2020

It has only been a handful of years since the first wines from Oates Ends came out. The story is simple. Winemaker Cath Oates family property in Wilyabrup is an important source of high quality fruit to some well known labels. For the first vintages Cath took the fruit at the ends of the rows, the Oates Ends, for her own little single vineyard label. Today she has her own blocks on the property under which she has shown a lovely touch in wines with both power and subtlety. So some years back chardonnay was added to the mix in the vineyard and this is the very first vintage.

It shows young vine characters, no doubt, but there is also plenty to love here. It was quite closed on day 1, probably thanks to a long trip over the Nullarbor, but on day 2 it came to life although was still young and tight. There is rockmelon and citrus fruits with a smoky flint edge all currently wrapped up in blanket of spicy oak. The palate is then compact and concentrated with powerful sherbet citrus flavours with a long and silky finish supported by bright acidity. Too young to drink now, it offers plenty of potential over the medium term and is very impressive for a first vintage.