McHenry Hohnen Hazel's Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

Winemaking and Drinking

Some wines demand attention with volume. Hazel’s Vineyard Chardonnay prefers to tilt your chin upward with a confident, understated hand. Sourced from one of McHenry Hohnen’s southernmost parcels in Margaret River, this Chardonnay is very much a product of place: gravelly soils that drain fast, ocean breezes that keep the fruit honest, and a gentle warmth that coaxes ripeness without sacrificing line or finesse. It’s the kind of site winemakers talk about the way surfers talk about secret breaks — with a mix of pride and protectiveness.

Tasting

The first swirl usually offers a hit of luminous citrus—think lemon zest and pink grapefruit—before slipping into more generous layers of nectarine, white peach, frangipani and that unmistakable mineral flicker reminiscent of struck flint. Given a moment to stretch in the glass, it introduces nuttier accents: roasted cashew, nougat, warm brioche. The palate follows the same arc but with more choreography: juicy stone fruit framed by a chalky, almost saline backbone; creamy mid-palate weight that never drags; acidity that threads everything together without shouting. It’s textured but not thick, long but not heavy, and very comfortable letting silence do the work.

Winemaking

Behind that personality is a winemaking approach built on gentle precision. The fruit is hand selected, handled softly, and often fermented with wild or carefully chosen yeasts. Oak plays a supporting role—usually seasoned barrels or restrained new oak—adding structure and those subtle nutty inflections without dominating the fruit. Extended time on lees gives the wine its creamy, mouth coating texture, while careful racking and blending ensure the vineyard’s mineral stamp stays intact. Each vintage feels like a balancing act between purity and plushness, and Hazel’s tends to nail it.

Awards and Accolades

Over the years, this Chardonnay has collected its share of praise: top tier reviews, accolades in international competitions, and a reputation among collectors as a Margaret River Chardonnay with staying power. Many enthusiasts tuck bottles away for five to fifteen years, confident that its citrus mineral core will evolve into richer notes of honey, roasted nuts and brioche.

Enjoy it with dishes that appreciate subtlety—roast chicken with thyme, creamy seafood pastas, or lobster in lemon butter—or pour it solo when you want a white wine that rewards unhurried attention. Hazel’s Vineyard Chardonnay doesn’t perform for the crowd; it performs for the person actually paying attention.