The McHenry Hohnen Laterite Hills Chardonnay 2025 is a single-site bottling from Margaret River, named for the ironstone-rich laterite soils of its vineyard, and sits a step up in concentration and texture from the estate's Rocky Road Chardonnay. Margaret River Chardonnay from sites like this is prized for combining ripeness with real structure, and this bottling is a clear step toward that more serious style.

White peach, nectarine and grapefruit lead the nose, layered with a struck-match minerality and a faint nuttiness that builds with air. The palate is textured and savoury, with stone fruit carried on a chalky, mineral-driven frame rather than pure fruit sweetness, and a creamy thread running underneath.

Bright, mouth-watering acid runs the length of the wine, giving it real energy and a long, saline finish that marks it out from simpler Chardonnay styles.

Its texture and acid make it a strong match for grilled scallops, roast chicken with lemon, or a rich fish pie, particularly anything with a touch of butter or cream.

It is drinking well now but the acid and texture suggest it will hold and gain complexity for another two to three years.