Current Wines

2011 Chardonnay

Grape Varieties

100% Chardonnay

Wine Maker's Note

2011’s much publicised La Ninã weather pattern produced a hot, dry summer with very little rainfall in Margaret River. 2011 was one of the driest years on record in Margaret River, and conspired with warm conditions to provide earlier picking dates than usual at Woodlands.

Woodlands Chardonnay is produced solely from Mendoza clone vines, the clone that made Margaret River Chardonnay famous. This clone tends to produce very small berries with higher levels of acidity. In years such as 2004, 2007, and 2011, we have found that despite the warm conditions our Chardonnay still retains its excellent freshness.

Our Chardonnay was picked between late February and early March at Baumés ranging from 12.5 to 13.5. The fruit was crushed and pressed into tank for cold settling. After 5 days the wine was racked and fermentation began. 30% of our Chardonnay was fermented in French oak barrels to enhance the intensity of fruit and provide a more complex flavour profile.

Our 2011 Chardonnay is pale straw in colour. The nose shows classic Wilyabrup Chardonnay characters of stone fruit combined with citrus notes, struck flint and toasty French oak influences. The palate is refined and rich, with the acidity running through to provide a nice minerality to the wine.

This wine will be best enjoyed from 2013 to 2017.

James Suckling Reviews the Woodlands Range : 16 Dec 2011 Read James' reviews of Woodlands wines tasted on his recent tour of Australia
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91 Points - James Suckling

WARNING
Under the Liquor Control Act 1988, it is an offence: to sell or supply liquor to a person under the age of 18 years on licensed or regulated premises;
or for a person under the age of 18 years to purchase, or attempt to purchase, liquor on licensed or regulated premises.
Kinsel Pty Ltd proprietors of Woodlands Wines | Liquor License No 618 004 5294 (Producer's License) | PO Box 220 Cowaramup Western Australia 6284