Rowe Karridale Single Site Chardonnay 2025

Awards and Accolades

95 Points: Ray Jordan

Ray Jordan praised the wine’s elegance, precision and distinctly cool-climate Karridale character.

His review highlights cut lime, nectarine and a subtle meringue note, followed by a finely constructed palate with oyster-shell minerality, linear structure and crisp, chalky acidity.

He recommends cellaring the wine for up to approximately 12 years.

95 Points: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

Sam Kim described an enticing and beautifully styled Chardonnay with ripe nectarine, lemon peel, nougat, roasted almond and oatmeal characters.

The palate impressed with its concentration, refined texture, carefully balanced acidity and persistent finish.

Suggested drinking window: 2028 to 2038.

Tasting Notes

• Aromatics: Cut lime, ripe nectarine and lemon peel are layered with meringue, nougat, roasted almond and subtle oatmeal.
• Palate: Concentrated yet finely controlled, with citrus and stone fruit carried by a refined, gently textured mouthfeel.
• Minerality: A subtle oyster-shell and saline edge brings definition and reinforces the wine’s cool-climate character.
• Acidity: Precise, crisp and slightly chalky, giving the wine focus without feeling sharp.
• Oak: French oak contributes understated almond, nougat and savoury complexity while allowing the fruit to remain clearly defined.
• Finish: Persistent, focused and refreshing, with lingering citrus, nectarine, mineral and roasted nut characters.

Wine Details

• Vintage: 2025
• Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
• Subregion: Karridale
• Vineyard: Wylco Vineyard
• Style: Single-site, cool-climate Chardonnay
• Harvesting: Handpicked
• Fermentation: Barrel-fermented
• Maturation: Nine months in French oak
• New oak: 30%
• Winemaker: Richard Rowe
• Vegan: Yes, certified with Vegan Australia
• Serving temperature: Approximately 10 to 12°C
• Suggested drinking window: 2028 to 2038

Winemaking

The Chardonnay grapes were picked by hand, allowing the fruit to be selected carefully and delivered to the winery in excellent condition.

The juice was fermented in French oak barrels rather than entirely in stainless steel. Barrel fermentation allows the developing wine to integrate naturally with the oak, creating a more seamless texture and adding subtle savoury complexity.

The wine remained in French oak for nine months, with 30% of the barrels being new. New oak contributes greater flavour and structure, while seasoned barrels provide gentle oxygen exposure without adding the same level of obvious oak character.

Using only 30% new oak allows flavours of nougat, roasted almond and savoury pastry to sit behind the lime, nectarine and lemon peel rather than covering them.

The result is a Chardonnay with texture and complexity, but also the precision and restraint expected from its cool Karridale vineyard.

About Richard Rowe

Richard Rowe has worked in the wine industry for more than 50 years, with experience spanning the Clare Valley, Margaret River, France, Germany and South Africa.

His career includes senior winemaking roles with Leasingham, Evans & Tate, KWV and Wills Domain. In 1995, he received the prestigious Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy for the 1994 Leasingham Classic Clare Shiraz.

Rowe Wines is now his family’s boutique Margaret River label, focusing on limited-production wines that highlight the differences between carefully selected vineyards and subregions.

The Karridale Chardonnay reflects that philosophy particularly well. It is not simply labelled Margaret River Chardonnay. It is intended to express the cooler, finer and more mineral character of one southern Margaret River site.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve Rowe Karridale Single Site Chardonnay at approximately 10 to 12°C.

Serving Chardonnay directly from a very cold refrigerator can suppress its aromas and texture. Remove the bottle approximately 15 minutes before pouring, or allow the wine to warm gently in the glass.

The wine can be enjoyed now, particularly in a larger white wine glass that allows the aromatics to open. A short period of air will help reveal its nectarine, nougat, roasted almond and mineral characters.

For greater complexity, cellar it somewhere cool, dark and temperature stable. Sam Kim suggests an ideal drinking window from 2028 to 2038, while Ray Jordan gives the wine approximately 12 years of cellaring potential.

With time, the fresh lime and nectarine characters should become more layered, developing towards toasted nuts, pastry, preserved citrus and savoury complexity.

Food Pairing 

• Seared scallops: Their sweetness complements the nectarine and nougat, while the wine’s acidity cuts through browned butter.
• Grilled marron or lobster: The fine texture and subtle oak suit rich shellfish, particularly when served with lemon or herb butter.
• Roast chicken: A classic match for barrel-fermented Chardonnay, especially with thyme, garlic or a light cream sauce.
• Pan-fried fish: Try snapper, barramundi or dhufish with beurre blanc, capers or citrus.
• Creamy mushroom risotto: The wine’s savoury almond and oatmeal characters complement earthy mushrooms and Parmesan.
• Soft and nutty cheeses: Triple cream Brie, Gruyère or Comté will pair beautifully with its texture and roasted almond notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What style of Chardonnay is this?

This is an elegant, cool-climate style of Margaret River Chardonnay.

It has good fruit concentration and a gently creamy texture, but its defining qualities are precision, minerality and chalky acidity rather than overt richness or heavy oak.

What does single-site Chardonnay mean?

It means all the fruit comes from one selected vineyard rather than being blended from vineyards across the region.

In this case, the grapes come from the Wylco Vineyard in Karridale. This gives the wine a particularly clear expression of its cooler southern Margaret River origin.

Is this a heavily oaked Chardonnay?

No. Although it was barrel-fermented and matured in French oak, only 30% of the barrels were new.

The oak contributes subtle nougat, roasted almond and savoury characters, but the lime, nectarine, mineral notes and acidity remain central to the wine.

Is this a buttery Chardonnay?

This is not a broad or overtly buttery style.

It has a refined texture and some creamy, nutty complexity, but remains citrus-driven, mineral and tightly focused.

Can I drink it now?

Yes. Serve it at approximately 10 to 12°C and give it a little time in a large wine glass.

Its lime, nectarine and mineral characters are already expressive, although the wine’s acidity and structure indicate that it will gain further complexity with bottle age.

How long can I cellar it?

Sam Kim of Wine Orbit suggests drinking it between 2028 and 2038. Ray Jordan also indicates that the wine can be cellared for approximately 12 years.

Keep the bottle somewhere cool, dark and temperature stable.

Is the wine vegan?

Yes. Rowe Karridale Chardonnay is certified vegan with Vegan Australia.

Who makes Rowe Wines?

The wine is made by Richard Rowe, an experienced Australian winemaker whose career began in 1975.

He has held senior winemaking positions in Australia and South Africa and received the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy in 1995.

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 109 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Mrs W 
 
3 November 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Huge range of Western Australian wines available at great prices and delivered to your door by friendly owner Kirk. $75 orders get free delivery! What’s not to like? I have had nothing but great service from Partners in Wine and I happily recommend them
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Dean Edwards 
 
1 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I have been buying my wines from Kirk for about two years now and I have never had a bad experience or wine. I love the fact that the wines are all West Australian, so supporting local and lower carbon footprint. He delivers when it’s convenient for me and brings the wine to my door.  Wines are all good quality and well priced, especially the cleanskins. Highly recommended
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 peter kennelly 
 
9 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Great wines and great service, Proud to support a local WA business providing a high value service. Couldn't recommend highly enough
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Trevor Yardley 
 
18 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
These guys have a good and growing range of Western Australian wines on offer. I've had prompt, personal service, with wines delivered by hand to my door. Would recommend to anyone looking for convenient access to WA wines.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Mike McKenna 
 
18 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Good range of quality WA wines, prompt and personable service. Highly recommended supplier
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Pam Ucich 
 
18 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Easy people to deal with. No delivery fee, delivered to the door. Same price or cheaper than a store.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Fiona Marsden 
 
5 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I have been ordering wine from partners in wine for 4 years. Always  great service. They have a large  selection of wa wines and offer ,discounts and specials . Wine is delivered promptly .
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Greg D 
 
4 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Very impressed with the great selection of Western Australian wines covering all budgets. Fantastic personal service from Kirk. Highly recommend if you’re chasing something a bit different.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Ron Smith 
 
27 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I've been ordering from Partners in Wine for three years now - from the UK for my sister living in Perth. Each time they've been bang on with my order including  on time delivery. Kirk has also helped me select my wines from an extensive list.  A very pleasant and friendly company to deal with. I would highly recommend them.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 John Court 
 
27 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Ordered from Uk some quality wine at great prices from partners in wine to be delivered to my son in perth AU  , had great input from Kirk who sorted some top wines at very good prices and all arranged and delivered in 2days Thanks again Kirk ,5*****allround