Oaked Estate Chardonnay 2023

Tasting Notes:

In the glass, the 2023 Estate Chardonnay gleams with a pristine golden hue, promising a rich and textured experience. The nose is a delightful medley of ripe melon and citrus, with underlying layers of stone fruits like peach and nectarine, along with fresh apples and sweet spices. A subtle note of nougat adds an elegant, creamy character to the bouquet.

On the palate, this Chardonnay is a true delight. The barrel fermentation imparts a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel, while the French oak aging enhances the wine’s refined texture. Flavours of ripe stone fruits and apples are complemented by a touch of sweet spice and a hint of nougat. A savoury note adds complexity, while the wine’s natural acidity and minerality provide balance, keeping it fresh and vibrant. The wine’s rich, full-bodied profile is beautifully rounded, making it a highly enjoyable and sophisticated Chardonnay.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Grilled Seafood: This Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with grilled prawns or lobster, where its creamy texture and rich flavours complement the delicate seafood.
• Creamy Pastas: A fantastic match for creamy pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo or a mushroom risotto, where the wine’s texture enhances the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Chicken: The wine’s depth and complexity make it an ideal companion for roasted chicken, particularly with a herb or garlic butter sauce.
• Soft Cheeses: Pair with soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, as the wine’s smooth mouthfeel and subtle spice highlight the cheese’s richness.

Best Serving Temp:

Serve slightly chilled at 10°C to 12°C to fully appreciate its fresh fruit character and creamy texture. If being stored in the fridge, leave out for about 10 minutes before serving.

Additional Information:

• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Region: Kendenup/Mount Barker, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 13.5% by Vol | 8.0 Standard Drinks
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2023
• Volume: 750ml

Technical Terms Explained:

• Barrel Fermentation: A winemaking process where the wine is fermented in oak barrels, imparting additional flavours, texture, and complexity to the wine.
• French Oak: Oak barrels sourced from France, known for imparting subtle, refined flavours to wine, often adding notes of vanilla, spice, and creaminess.
• Malolactic Fermentation: A secondary fermentation that converts the wine’s malic acid into lactic acid, resulting in a smoother, creamier mouthfeel and a softer, rounder finish.
• Minerality: A characteristic of wine that reflects the presence of minerals in the vineyard soil, contributing to the wine’s crispness and balance.

Learn About Gilbert Wines

Situated just north of Mount Barker in the Great Southern wine region, Gilbert Wines is a beloved West Aussie winery renowned for its award-winning Riesling, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet.

With a rich heritage spanning four generations, the Gilbert family has been crafting exceptional flavours for the world. As a family-run, owned, and operated winery, Gilbert Wines is committed to delivering high-quality, award-winning wines.

Founded by Bev Gilbert, the winery thrives on a 24-acre vineyard nestled in the northern section of the Mount Barker subregion in the Great Southern. Vines flourish in gravely loam soil, basking in warm sunny days and cool nights during the growing season, ensuring the production of exquisite fruit. Bev’s sons, Clinton, Matthew, and Nicholas, all play pivotal roles in the winery and cafe.

Accolades for the Gilbert’s selection are vast, with new reviews from Wine Companion released regularly. Want a vintage we don’t currently have? Not a worry email us and we will order it in for you! info@partnersinwine.com.au

Planning a trip to Albany? Make sure you visit the official Great Southern Wine Region Association Page Here