Margaret River Region 2021 Vintage Chardonnay Tasting
On Friday 10 September we explored the world of Margaret River Chardonnay, tasting unfinished Chardonnay barrel samples from the 2021 vintage, grown throughout the region.
Over 45 producers from the region generously contributed Chardonnay samples for the annual tasting, which saw winemakers and viticulturists from all over the region gather to share valuable information about their unique winemaking approach and discuss vintage conditions of the past season.
Japo Dalli Cani from McHenry Hohnen and Ianto Ward from Juniper Estate led the discussion on the 2021 Chardonnay samples, offering valuable insights into this somewhat challenging vintage.
It was a pleasure to see minimal Botrytis present in this large sample selection despite warm and moist conditions from the peculiar La Niña season. This was largely attributed to an extreme focus on canopy management, assisted by our Region’s natural system of cooling sea breezes.
With over 90% of the samples fermented wild, it was an impressive terroir driven showing. With particular standouts grown in Southern Margaret River featuring an intriguing saline, ocean influence.
Our own Chief Winemaker Virginia Willcock rounded out the discussion by sharing her passion for the future of sustainable viticulture and winemaking in Margaret River, championing what she believes can be the most sustainable wine growing region in the world, our Wine Paradise.
Follow @vassefelixwines for more snaps from this collaborative Regional event.
