Wildberry Chardonnay
Region
MARGARET RIVER
Vineyard
WILDBERRY SPRINGS ESTATE
Variety
CHARDONNAY
Planted in 1997, Wildberry Springs Estate vineyard is situated in the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River, Western Australia. The site covers ancient forest soils layered with chocolate loam topsoil rich in microbial activity over sandy gravelly loam. The subsoil is a mixture of clay, sand and gravel allowing roots to penetrate and access the water table below.
The stand of pines that flank the property originally protected livestock from cool winds coming off the Indian Ocean. These days they play an important role in sheltering the vines. Their imposing presence remains an unmissable feature as you enter the property and are depicted on the label.
The 5.5 Ha planted to Chardonnay is predominantly the Gingin clone known for producing many of the exceptional wines in the region. The balance is a mix of clones 3 and 5 which as a minor blending component can help restrain the power of the Gingin clone.
Owner John Durack and vineyard manager Theo Truyts have built an enviable reputation for growing premium quality grapes highly sought after by winemakers throughout the region. Having been a winemaker in Margaret River for over two decades, I have been fortunate to work with Chardonnay from Wildberry Springs Estate since 2007. The quality of fruit consistently exceeds my expectations.
Despite the extremely limited production of this single vineyard wine I look forward to bringing Wildberry Chardonnay in subsequent years to showcase the site and season in which the fruit was grown at this unique vineyard.
Brad Hutton, Winemaker
2019 Wildberry Chardonnay Reviews
Seven years old and this tastes sensational. Talk about hitting its straps with a bit of time under its belt. It tastes of crushed fennel, yellow peach, cedarwood, flint and aromatic herbs, and from start to finish it presents a thrilling, smooth-railed ride of flamboyant flavour, and cutting-edge energy. Of course, it then finishes with dramatic persistence. I spend so much of my time, at the desk, tasting wine in silence. This wine made me call out to people, imploring them to ‘have a taste of this’. It’s the ultimate compliment.
96 points - Campbell Mattinson, Online Wine Magazine & The Wine FrontA compelling example of how well this site and style age, the 2019 retains an impressive level of freshness. It shows more like a young wine than its years would suggest, with citrus, white peach and subtle stone fruit still very much to the fore.
Flint, light smoke and a fine mineral edge sit alongside the fruit, adding complexity without overshadowing its purity. There’s little overt development, instead favouring clarity and definition.
The palate is taut and focused, driven by bright acidity and a clean mineral line. The hallmark gun flint character seen in the current release is equally evident here, reinforcing a strong sense of consistency. At 12.5% alcohol, the wine remains balanced and precise, finishing long and composed.
Vino Masters Rating: ★★★★★
96 points – Vino Masters2024 Wildberry Chardonnay Reviews
This is an elegant release with impressive power through the back palate and exceptional persistence through the finish. It’s also the kind of wine that makes complexity look easy, which is always a sign of high quality. It’s a flinty wine with grapefruit, peach, sweet cedar and brine characters riffing throughout. Stone, lemonade and general mineral characters dart through the finish as well. This wine has a lot up its sleeve, and/or a lot still tucked in tight. But it’s abundantly clear that its future sits on the bright side of wonderful. It does because all the components here are of killer quality.
96 points - Campbell Mattinson, Online Wine Magazine & The Wine FrontA confident single-vineyard Chardonnay that reflects both the quality of the site and careful winemaking. Wild fermentation and 12 months in French oak barriques have been thoughtfully managed, supporting the fruit.
Pale straw with flashes of green. On the aroma is grapefruit, white peach and soft floral notes lead, followed by more subtle layers of stone, light smoke and well-integrated oak.
The palate shows the hallmark structure of the Gingin clone, with bright acidity bringing energy and shape to the wine. Fruit purity sits at the core, while a lean mineral thread carries through to a long, composed finish with almond and citrus rind notes.
There is a natural sense of balance here, where richness is kept in check by freshness.
Vino Masters Rating: ★★★★★ A polished and expressive Chardonnay with both immediate appeal and the ability to develop over time.
96 points – Vino MastersThis wine is both stylish and wonderfully complex. On the nose, it exhibits aromas of summer peach, mango, subtle vanilla, lemon peel, and roasted hazelnuts, along with a hint of oatmeal. The palate reveals outstanding concentration and depth, complemented by a richly textured mouthfeel and well-balanced acidity. It is multi-layered and engaging, featuring an impressively long and satisfying finish.
96 points - Sam Kim, Wine OrbitVino Masters Vertical Insight: 2019 vs 2024
Tasted alongside each other, the 2019 and 2024 highlight a clear and confident house style. Both wines sit at 12.5% alcohol and share the same core elements; purity of fruit, fine acidity and distinctive flinty complexity.
What stands out is how little the 2019 has moved away from its youthful profile. Rather than developing into overtly tertiary characters, it has held its line, showing that this vineyard and approach prioritise freshness, structure and longevity. The 2024 mirrors this closely, suggesting a consistency that is both deliberate and highly successful.
Wildberry Chardonnay 2019
$150.00 AUD - Limited Stock
Please contact us to order - Wines must be ordered in multiples of 6.
Wildberry Chardonnay 2024
$120.00 AUD
Please contact us to order - Wines must be ordered in multiples of 6.