Chardonnay 2022 - Black Market Deal #54097

This wine comes from old vines planted in 1985 in Wilyabrup, making them among the oldest Chardonnay vines in Margaret River. The age of these vines contributes to exceptional concentration and depth of flavour that younger plantings simply cannot achieve. Combined with the region's unique terroir and 40% new French oak treatment, it delivers the complexity and structure that has earned Margaret River recognition as Australia's premier Chardonnay region.

The 40% new French oak barrels add layers of complexity while allowing the fruit character to shine through. French oak is prized for its fine grain and subtle vanilla notes, which complement rather than overpower the wine's natural jasmine, grapefruit and white stone fruit flavours. This careful oak integration creates the nutty, spicy characteristics and contributes to the wine's full-bodied palate weight and lengthy finish.

This Chardonnay offers two distinct drinking experiences depending on your preference. Drinking it now showcases the wine's vibrant freshness, pure fruit expression and rounded oaky mouthfeel. However, cellaring for up to 10 years will develop classic tertiary notes like honey, toast and brioche, while the natural acidity ensures the wine maintains its structure and elegance as it evolves.

A 95-point score from James Halliday represents exceptional quality, placing this wine in the top tier of Australian Chardonnays. The additional Special Value Award indicates outstanding quality-to-price ratio, suggesting this wine punches well above its weight class. Halliday's Five Red Star winery rating confirms the producer's consistent excellence, making this a particularly smart purchase for both immediate enjoyment and cellar investment.

The wine's full body, mineral backbone and oak influence make it perfect for rich, creamy dishes that can match its intensity. Think lobster thermidor, roasted chicken with herbs, creamy mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses. The flinty minerality and natural acidity also make it excellent with fresh oysters or seared scallops, while the nutty oak notes complement dishes featuring almonds or hazelnuts beautifully.