McHenry Hohnen - Calgardup Brook Chardonnay

McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook Chardonnay: A Distinctive Margaret River Expression

The McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook Chardonnay stands out as a premier example of Margaret River Chardonnay. This meticulously crafted wine, sourced from a single vineyard with a unique coastal influence, delivers a captivating flavour profile that is both complex and elegant.

Vineyard and Vinification

The grapes for this Chardonnay hail exclusively from the Calgardup Brook Vineyard, situated in the southern reaches of Margaret River, Western Australia. This vineyard benefits from its proximity to the Indian Ocean, with well-weathered sandy and schisty soils offering excellent drainage and imparting a distinctive mineral character to the grapes. The vines themselves are planted with an east-west orientation and enjoy a gentle northern slope, optimising sun exposure for balanced ripening.

McHenry Hohnen employs a meticulous winemaking process to preserve the essence of the Calgardup Brook terroir. The grapes are hand-picked to ensure optimal quality, followed by whole bunch pressing to extract delicate flavours and textures. The must is then fermented using wild yeasts, fostering a natural complexity in the wine.  A portion of the wine undergoes fermentation in new French oak barriques, introducing subtle hints of vanilla and spice while maintaining the Chardonnay's core characteristics. Extended lees contact, achieved through a technique known as batonnage, further enhances the wine's richness and mouthfeel.

Tasting Profile: A Symphony of Flavour and Minerality

The McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook Chardonnay boasts a captivating nose. Initial aromas evoke the vineyard's coastal influence with hints of sea spray and crushed seashells. These seamlessly integrate with delicate floral notes of frangipani and spiced pear, hinting at the wine's underlying richness. As the wine opens up, further nuances emerge, including flinty minerality and a touch of matchstick complexity, likely contributed by the wild fermentation.

On the palate, the Chardonnay delivers a balanced and textured experience. The high natural acidity, characteristic of Margaret River Chardonnay, is beautifully complemented by the wine's richness and structure. Saline notes echo the coastal influence, while the subtle oak influence adds a touch of creaminess. The extended lees contact contributes to a round and mouth-coating texture, leaving a lingering and satisfying finish.

Food Pairing Recommendations

The McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook Chardonnay's versatility makes it a perfect partner for a variety of culinary delights.  Its elegant profile pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, particularly oysters, scallops, and white fish. The wine's richness can also complement creamy pasta dishes or poultry with herb-infused sauces. For a truly memorable experience, explore pairings with cheeses, such as Comté or aged Gruyère, where the Chardonnay's minerality and acidity will cut through the creaminess of the cheese.

Conclusion: A Wine of Distinction

The McHenry Hohnen Calgardup Brook Chardonnay is a captivating expression of Margaret River Chardonnay. Its meticulous production, unique coastal terroir, and focus on preserving the essence of the grapes result in a wine that is both complex and undeniably delicious. With its balanced acidity, subtle oak influence, and intriguing minerality, this Chardonnay is sure to impress even the most discerning wine enthusiast.