Winemaking and Drinking
A Family Story in a Glass
The Watson Family Chardonnay is more than just another bottle on the shelf—it’s a thread in the long tapestry of Margaret River winemaking. The Watson family were among the early pioneers who believed in the potential of the region. What began as a dream to cultivate world class Cabernet evolved into a broader pursuit: to capture the essence of their home in every varietal they planted. Chardonnay, with its versatility and sensitivity to site, became an ideal canvas for them to paint the unique portrait of their vineyards.
The “Watson Family” label represents wines that are approachable and generous, but still carry the heritage of meticulous farming and thoughtful winemaking. It’s a wine that nods to the family’s history while speaking directly to today’s drinker.
Tasting
Pour a glass and the wine greets you with quiet grace. Its pale straw colour shimmers with hints of green, suggesting freshness before you even raise it to your nose. The aroma unfurls gradually: white peach, crisp pear, and a delicate wisp of citrus blossom. There’s a suggestion of something savory too like a faint brush of almond meal or toasted brioche never overpowering, just enough to remind you that oak has played its subtle supporting role.
On the palate, the wine walks a fine line between generosity and restraint. Bright fruit notes carry through nectarine, melon, a squeeze of lemon zest wrapped in a creamy texture that whispers of time on lees. A lively streak of acidity runs down the middle, keeping the wine taut and refreshing. The finish lingers with a faint saline edge, echoing the nearby ocean winds that shape the vineyards.
Awards and Accolades
While the family’s top tier red wines have often taken centre stage in the awards arena, the Watson Family Chardonnay has carved out its own following. Vintage after vintage, it has been praised for delivering finesse at an accessible level a rare combination that appeals to both casual drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts. Critics often highlight its consistency, its sense of place, and its ability to over deliver for its price point. It may not always claim the loudest accolades, but its true triumph lies in how often it finds its way to dinner tables and cellars. The fact that people return to it year after year speaks louder than any medal.
The Watson Family Chardonnay embodies what makes Margaret River such a celebrated wine region: purity of fruit, a whisper of oak, lively acidity, and an ever-present maritime freshness. It’s a wine that feels both familiar and refined, equally at home with a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
More than anything, it reflects the values of the family whose name it carries craft, care, and a quiet confidence that great wine doesn’t need to be flashy to be unforgettable.
| Wine Type | White wine |
| Producer | Woodlands |
| State | Western Australia |
| Region | Margaret River |
| Variety | Chardonnay |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Alcohol | 12% |
