Cloudburst Chardonnay 2023

Cloudburst is one of Margaret River’s smallest and most distinctive producers, run by American ex-pat Will Berliner. Since planting his tiny Wilyabrup vineyard in 2005, Will has worked with a biodynamic mindset, farming without irrigation, machinery or shortcuts. Everything is done by hand, from close planting and pruning to picking in tiny batches, with wild ferments in the winery and minimal intervention. The aim is simple: to let this little patch of land speak clearly in the glass.

The 2023 Chardonnay shows exactly why Cloudburst has captured global attention. A cool, late season delivered pristine fruit, and Will has crafted a wine of rare balance – concentrated yet pure, layered but not heavy. Citrus, stone fruit and a faint struck-flint edge lead into a palate that’s tightly coiled, mineral and long, with oak used as a frame rather than a feature.

This release has already been recognised with a perfect 100-point score, praised for its combination of depth, energy and detail. But at its heart, it’s a story of one grower working closely with his vines, and a wine that proves just how special Margaret River Chardonnay can be.