Crafted from hand-picked fruit grown in the renowned Margaret River region, the 2023 Moss Wood Chardonnay captures a benchmark Australian Chardonnay style. Fermented in French oak barrels, with a portion undergoing malolactic fermentation, the wine is matured on lees for added texture and complexity. Meticulous vineyard management and cool conditions during the 2022–23 growing season allowed the fruit to retain freshness while building richness and depth.
Bouquet Lifted aromas of ripe white peach and nectarine are layered with hints of fresh vanilla bean, lemon cheesecake and toasted cashew. A whisper of nougat and shortbread rounds out the nose, drawing you in with finesse and generosity.
Palate Vibrant and luxurious, this vintage opens with a burst of juicy stone fruit—think nashi pear, rock melon and lime—framed by crisp acidity and creamy oak integration. Subtle notes of caramel, roasted nuts and baked pastry add delicious texture and length. The structure is confident yet graceful, with fine phenolics guiding the wine through a long, refreshing finish.
Food Pairing This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with dishes that highlight creamy or nutty elements—try pan-seared scallops with cauliflower purée, roast chicken with lemon and thyme, or a rich mushroom risotto. For a taste of home, consider pairing it with crayfish or snapper in a beurre blanc sauce.
Cellaring Already showing superb balance, Moss Wood Chardonnay 2023 will continue to evolve gracefully. Expect vibrant fruit and freshness in the first five years, with toasty, buttery complexity emerging by year ten. Drink now through 2043.
Interesting Fact Moss Wood was one of the first vineyards planted in Margaret River in the late 1960s and helped put the region on the world map for fine Chardonnay.