Clandestine Vineyards Chardonnay 2021 White

This 2021, the second vintage of Clandestine Vineyards Chardonnay follows a more linear style rather than the full, buttery and oaky styles. In other words, the vineyard, the region and the fruit is the star, not the heavy-handed winery technique.

The single-vineyard location known as Knotting Hill in Wilyabrup, Margaret River is owned and cared for by vigneron Michael Gould and planted exclusively to the Gingin clone, known for its higher natural acidity and aromatics. Combined with the proximity to the Indian Ocean, the vineyards and resulting Chardonnay fruit also displays maritime flavours and salinity – similar to Chablis.

Eight-hour maceration time on skins, prior to tank pressing for a light settling, then a portion of the cloudy juice was run to the barrel and the balance to multiple small tank fermentations. Our 25 % new French Mercurey oak barriques (75% 2nd and 3rd use) and ten months maturation in the same oak gives depth and maturity to this wine. No lees stirring or malolactic fermentation, a gentle fining and minimal sulphur on bottling to ensure freshness. Vegan.

The result is visually stunning in the glass – bright with a light green hue, the bouquet is an enticing mix of flintstone, cashew and citrus, this follows onto the palate with grapefruit intensity and depth of flavour, held in check by tightly wound acidity. The oak plays its part in a supporting role, which allows for a long clean and delicious finish.

This style of Chardonnay pairs well with a variety of flavours; from the ocean to the land – but roast chicken with herbed potatoes and fresh garden salad is our ‘go-to’.

91 Points — Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
“Created as a fine and delicate expression of Margaret River Chardonnay. Gets a little French oak with a small portion of new just to spice things up a bit. Slightly nutty with a slightly spicy crème brulee mix on the nose, yielding to slightly richer palate flavours. But it retains that fine linear edge.”

93 POINTS – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
91 POINTS – Ray Jordan, The West Australian
92 POINTS – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
90 POINTS – Erin Larkin, James Halliday Wine Companion