2021 Wild Cape Chardonnay

Wild Cape is a celebration of the raw beauty of Western Australia’s South West and is inspired by the spectacular coastline and distinct regional characteristics of Margaret River wine.

Through photographer Andrew Semark’s epic and dramatic photography, Wild Cape embodies the essence of the region where dramatic waves crash onto the coast and world-class wines are produced in this remote, pristine part of the world.

Andrew describes the Wild Cape Chardonnay photo ‘Glimmer’ as “power and beauty”, which perfectly encapsulates the richness of Margaret River Chardonnay. This richness is also captured by the orange glow of the sky and the reflection on the ocean surface and is something that Senior Winemaker Matt Byrne showcases in his winemaking. He aims to celebrate “it’s [Chardonnay] ability to show complexity, texture and fruit power without sacrificing freshness.”

colour

Vibrant and brilliant with a light, dry straw hue and a youthful green tint.

aroma

Powerful ripe, fleshy stone fruit and melon flavours only found in the best Chardonnay fruit grown in Margaret River. 

palate

Apricot, peach and tropical fruits are balanced and matched with wild barrel fermented elements of malt, cashew nut and fresh toast. A long, intriguing and massively flavoursome Chardonnay wine from the cooler 2021 vintage.

cellaring

Best enjoyed within the next three to five year for maximum freshness.

vintage

The 2021 vintage featured a growing season with a warm, dry summer providing the perfect conditions for hallmark flavour intensity. Cool evenings ensured fruit retained natural acidity, producing wines that are expressive and beautifully balanced.

winemaking

The cool, cloudy juice (free-run only) went straight from the press into French oak barriques for wild fermentation. The wine was fermented dry then chilled and lightly sulfured. No malolactic fermentation occurred to retain purity and style.

The wine was left in barrel for 11 months to mature on yeast lees before a further 4 months on lees in a stainless steel tank prior to bottling.

This is a wine made in a hands-off, pure way with pristine, first-class fruit. The result is a classy Chardonnay wine, which achieves the rare feat of showing complexity without sacrificing freshness and flavour.

region

Margaret River

variety

Chardonnay  

analysis

• Alcohol: 13.0%
• pH: 3.23
• TA: 6.94 g/L

For the ultimate summer snack pairing, try crispy salt and pepper squid with a glass of Wild Cape Chardonnay watching the sunset by the coast.

Royal Hobart Wine Show 2022