2023 McHenry Hohnen Sauvignon Blanc

Lifted and varietal, with delicate notes of gooseberry and lemon oil layered with flinty minerality and nougat tones. The aromatic complexity is enhanced by barrel fermentation and extended time on fine lees.

The palate is fresh yet full-flavoured and textural, with a core of ripe tropical fruit and a saline acid line. A highly flavoured and structured wine that balances varietal precision with the richness and depth derived from wild ferment and lees work.

Vineyard: This wine is sourced from two of our southern Margaret River vineyards—Hazel’s and Calgardup Brook. Hazel’s Vineyard, certified organic and biodynamic, sits inland near Witchcliffe and contributes structure, texture, and a savoury edge. Calgardup Brook, just a few kilometres from the coast, brings purity, aromatic lift, and mineral drive thanks to its schisty soils and strong maritime influence. Together, the sites offer a complementary expression of southern Margaret River, balancing power and finesse.

The season began slowly, with a cool, wet spring delaying vine development and setting the stage for a later-than-average harvest. Summer arrived dry and warm, with long, sunny days and mild nights through December, January, and February—ideal conditions for flavour development and acid retention. White varieties ripened quickly, with a compressed Chardonnay harvest in particular. Across the board, white wines from 2022 show excellent flavour concentration, freshness, and drive.

Sourced from 26-year-old vines on the eastern side of Calgardup Brook Vineyard. Fruit was harvested in the cool of night, whole berry pressed, and transferred with solids to French oak barriques and puncheons (10% new) to build texture and aromatic complexity. Fermentation was wild, and frequent lees stirring was carried out through the year to enhance richness and mouthfeel. After six months in barrel, the wine was transferred to tank—full lees included—for extended maturation before bottling in December 2022.