Woody Nook Chardonnay2025

Tasting Notes

The 2025 Oaked Chardonnay presents a pale gold hue, reflecting its barrel maturation. The nose is a beautiful blend of fresh apple, sweet melon, and a hint of toasted oak, which adds an inviting complexity to the bouquet.

On the palate, the wine offers a harmonious balance of melon and stone fruit, with a creamy mouthfeel that comes from full malolactic fermentation. The fresh green apple acidity provides a crisp, refreshing finish, while the subtle oak notes lend a touch of warmth and depth. The wine’s well-structured profile ensures its potential for medium-term cellaring, where it will continue to develop.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Seafood: A fantastic match for creamy seafood dishes like lobster or crab.
• Poultry: Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken in herb and lemon sauce.
• Cheese: Complements rich cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or a cream cheese.
• Pasta: Perfect alongside a creamy mushroom risotto or pasta with a delicate cream-based sauce.

Best Serving Temp

Serve the 2021 Oaked Chardonnay at 10°C to 12°C to enhance its balance of fruit, oak, and acidity.

• If stored at room temperature (22°C): Place the bottle in the fridge for 45-60 minutes before serving to bring it to the ideal temperature.
• If stored in the fridge (5°C): Remove the bottle about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to warm slightly to the perfect drinking temperature.

Additional Information

• Grape Variety: Chardonnay
• Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 13.5% by Vol | 8.1 Standard Drinks
• Cellaring Potential: 5-7 years for further development and complexity
• Closure: Screwcap
• Maturation: Aged in 100% French oak barrels with full malolactic fermentation and monthly lees stirring

Technical Terms Explained

• French Oak: A type of oak used in winemaking to age the wine. It imparts subtle flavours of vanilla, spice, and toast, adding complexity.
• Malolactic Fermentation: A secondary fermentation where harsh malic acid (found in green apples) is converted into softer lactic acid, resulting in a creamier texture.
• Lees Stirring: The process of periodically stirring the lees (dead yeast cells) during maturation to add richness and mouthfeel to the wine.
• Screwcap: A closure used to seal bottles, offering a secure seal and ensuring consistent wine quality, especially for wines meant for aging.

Diverse Styles of Chardonnay

One of the defining features of Chardonnay in Margaret River is the range of styles that emerge from the region, each reflecting the winemaker’s philosophy and the specific vineyard conditions.

1. Fruit-Forward and Crisp

Some Margaret River Chardonnays emphasise fresh fruit characteristics, displaying vibrant notes of lemon, lime, peach, and nectarine. These wines often undergo cool fermentation in stainless steel to preserve their bright acidity and fruit purity. Some wineries may use older oak barrels to add some complexity, but the oak itself blends in with the wine and they present a clean, crisp profile that makes them highly refreshing and perfect for casual drinking. These styles are particularly popular for their approachability and are excellent companions to seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes.

2. Malolactic Fermentation (MLF)

Many Margaret River winemakers employ malolactic fermentation to add complexity to their Chardonnays. This secondary fermentation process converts sharper malic acid into softer lactic acid, creating a creamier mouthfeel and a rounder texture. As a result, wines that undergo MLF often display buttery notes and a luscious richness alongside their fruit flavours. These Chardonnays can exhibit aromas of vanilla and toasty oak, making them delightful choices for pairing with richer dishes like roasted chicken or creamy pasta.

3. Oak-Aged Elegance

The use of oak barrels is a hallmark of many Margaret River Chardonnays, adding layers of complexity and depth to the wines. Winemakers often choose French oak to impart subtle spice and toasty notes without overpowering the fruit. The degree of oak influence can vary, with some producers opting for full barrel fermentation and extended lees contact to enhance creaminess and mouthfeel. These wines often feature a harmonious integration of oak and fruit, showcasing flavours of ripe pear, citrus, and hints of almond or hazelnut. A well-structured, oak-aged Chardonnay can age gracefully, developing greater complexity over time.

4. Chablis-Inspired Styles

In addition to the more opulent Chardonnays, some winemakers in Margaret River are inspired by the styles of Chablis, France. These Chardonnays focus on minerality, crispness, and a steely elegance, often showcasing flinty and citrus-driven profiles. Minimal to no oak is used which allows the purity of the fruit and the terroir to shine, resulting in wines that are vibrant and refreshing. These styles are particularly appealing to those who appreciate a more restrained approach to Chardonnay, emphasising the varietal’s natural acidity and terroir.

Why Buy Woody Nook Chardonnay from Partners in Wine WA?

Looking for the best place to buy Woody Nook Chardonnay in Perth? Partners in Wine WA specialises in boutique Western Australian wine, making us a natural choice for customers wanting to enjoy quality Woody Nook wines with the service of a Perth-based specialist. We focus on local producers, offer knowledgeable support, and make it easy to order premium WA wine from a trusted independent retailer rather than a generic national liquor store.

Because we work exclusively with Western Australian wineries, we offer a more curated and informed shopping experience. You are buying from people who understand WA wine, value producer quality, and are passionate about helping customers choose the right bottle. With local service, Perth delivery options, and Australia-wide shipping available, Partners in Wine WA is a trusted place to buy Woody Nook Chardonnay online.