2025 McHenry Hohnen Apiary Block Chardonnay

The wine shows a complex nose with lemon curd, cheese rind, lemon zest and frangipani sitting on top of a palate of white nectarine.

There is vibrancy and freshness with intertwining savouriness, waxy texture and creamy complexity all framed by attractive phenolics that carry the wine to a lingering
finish.

Vineyard: Hazel’s Vineyard reflects our commitment to regenerative farming and the
pursuit of quality through responsible agriculture. Located in Forest Grove,
this southern Margaret River site is defined by free draining ironstone gravel
soils, a cooling maritime influence, and a north-facing aspect ensuring optimal
exposure to the sunlight. Sustainable farming practices have brought enhanced
vitality into these soils, enabling us to produce wines with exceptional texture,
vibrancy, and site expression.

The 2025 vintage was about balance and consistency. Summer was warm and
dry but breezy and without extremes, providing good conditions for even vine
growth and flavour development. Disease pressure was low, contributing to
excellent fruit conditions at harvest. Harvest conditions for our whites were
ideal, and all whites are characterised by expressive fruit, texture, and balanced
acidity. Leading into red harvest conditions remained ideal, with consistently
warm and dry days and cool nights. The mediterranean reds and Bordeaux
varieties were picked in pristine conditions and display a “classic” character,
with floral aromatics, tannin ripeness, and concentration.

Select parcels of Chardonnay from the Apiary block were handpicked and
whole bunch pressed straight to a 700L concrete vessel and a couple of old
barrels without any sulphur addition. The juice underwent wild yeast and partial
malo-lactic fermentation and was left on full lees for 8 months. Moved only
once in the winery a few days before being bottled without fining or filtration.