Chardonnay is the pinnacle of white wines in Margaret River and we love the class, finesse and its suitability to wild fermentation.
Blackwood Valley is a diverse region inland of Margaret River and this vineyard is renowned for its powerful chardonnay. We like the Great Southern for its lean tight chardonnay, which adds fruit
lift and length to the blend.

We utilize the Gin Gin clone unique to WA and the 4 Dijon clones (seductively named 76,95,96 and 277) imported in the 80’s.

Hand and machine picked, whole bunch pressed where handpicked;
whole solids juices and wild ferments; 70% barrel ferment in new (10%) and used puncheons; aged on lees for 8 months in tank and barrel.

The 2023 season budburst was even and on time but a cool growing season led to later flowering and set. Cool, dry weather throughout the growing season is ideal Chardonnay conditions and leads to fruit with finesse, power and great natural acidity.

The 2023 Tough Love Chardonnay is a youngest child of the 2023
season: punchy melon, cucumber, white nectarine and some grapefruit notes. Barrel ferment and lees contact add subtle spice, almond meal and creamy texture. This is matched with a fine long acidity that provides length, brightness and balance. There is subtlety, nuance and finesse in the 2023 that will reward lingering over it with some special.