Thompson Estate The Specialist Chardonnay 2022

This is the team’s prestige Chardonnay. Being Margaret River, that means much is expected. And much delivered. Their best fruit is whole bunch pressed to tank for settling and then to new French oak barriques for a wild ferment. After further maturation, the best barrels are selected for blending, making only 1,845 bottles. A deep gold hue, this is a classy effort which is exhibiting excellent oak integration. There is early complexity already evident with notes of cashews, orange rind, stonefruits, spices and ginger, with a hint of lime-y acidity. Supple texture, impressive length, the wine is seamless with good intensity. A cracking Margaret River Chardy. Six to eight years.