West Cape Howe Styx Gully Chardonnay 2023 750ml

"An elegant Great Southern Chardonnay with fresh citrus, stone fruit and a lovely silky finish."

West Cape Howe Styx Gully Chardonnay 2023 is a lovely example of just how good Western Australian Chardonnay can be. Coming from Mount Barker in the Great Southern region, this wine has plenty going for it, with fresh citrus, white peach and nectarine flavours, a touch of toasted cashew and a beautifully silky texture.

What I particularly like about this Chardonnay is the balance. There's enough richness to keep Chardonnay lovers happy, but the fresh acidity gives it a lighter, more refined feel. If you enjoy Chardonnay with subtle oak, good fruit and a clean finish, Styx Gully is well worth trying.

The 2023 vintage has also picked up an impressive 92 points from respected Western Australian wine critic Ray Jordan.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh citrus, melon and white peach, with delicate floral notes and a hint of toasted cashew.

Palate: Bright lemon, lime and stone fruit flavours with a silky texture. Subtle nutty oak adds complexity, while crisp, chalky acidity keeps the wine fresh and beautifully balanced.

Finish: Long, clean and refreshing, with lingering citrus, gentle cashew notes and a fine mineral character.

Halliday Wine Companion - 92 Points

A light, chalky, vibrant chardonnay that leans into green stone fruit characters, nashi pear, gingery spice, green mango and some rice bran and light nougat notes. Quietly complex, with a good extension of flavour and a general sense of deliciousness. This finer-boned style is executed well. Mike Bennie

Serving Suggestions

This is a great Chardonnay to enjoy with seafood, particularly grilled scallops, garlic prawns or pan fried barramundi.

It's also lovely alongside roast chicken with lemon and herbs, creamy mushroom pasta or a good chicken and leek pie.

There's enough texture to handle richer dishes, while the fresh citrus character makes it equally enjoyable with lighter meals.

About The Winery

West Cape Howe Wines is located in Mount Barker, within Western Australia's Great Southern wine region.

Owned by a partnership of Western Australian families, the winery has built an excellent reputation for producing quality cool climate wines, particularly Chardonnay, Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Great Southern is one of Australia's most exciting wine regions, with its cooler growing conditions helping produce wines that combine generous flavour with natural freshness and elegance.

Styx Gully Chardonnay comes from selected blocks within the estate's Langton vineyard in Mount Barker. The wine is known for its combination of stone fruit, subtle oak and fine acidity, offering a more refined expression of the variety.

The 2023 vintage is particularly appealing for its fresh, lively character, with citrus and mineral notes playing a larger role alongside the wine's gentle richness.

Cellaring Potential

West Cape Howe Styx Gully Chardonnay 2023 is drinking beautifully now, with its fresh citrus flavours and subtle oak nicely integrated.

It also has the acidity and structure to develop further complexity with careful cellaring. Enjoy now through to approximately 2032, allowing more toasted nut and savoury characters to emerge over time.

Details

Producer: West Cape Howe Wines
Wine: Styx Gully Chardonnay
Vintage: 2023
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Mount Barker, Great Southern, Western Australia
Country: Australia
Bottle Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Wine Body: Medium Bodied
Wine Sweetness: Dry
Wine Style: Elegant, Textural & Fresh Cool Climate Chardonnay