2023 Marchand & Burch Mount Barker Chardonnay

97 POINTS

Ray Jordan

Strikes immediately with complex and intriguing notes of faint struck match against a background of grapefruit, vanilla bean and tart nectarine. The palate texture has been created with a mix of oaks of different ages and formats with partial malolactic fermentation. Has a subtle cracked seas-shell character permeating against the dry savoury minerality. Shows the virtues of the Mount Barrow vineyard with its mix of clones adding variety and complex options to the wines.

95 POINTS

Tom Kline - Winepilot

A lovely balanced Chardonnay with complexity and freshness in spades. Grapefruit melds with nougat straight off, before lemon juice and white florals. Air and warmth unlock pops of crushed cashew nut, makrut lime, lemon rind, nectarine and a lovely saline mineral note adding inviting savoury complexity. Lovely lift and freshness to the palate with gorgeous texture beneath. Lemon juice and pith, grapefruit, nectarine, nougat, seaspray, and subtle underpinnings of cedar are framed by citrussy phenolics and gorgeous saline acidity. Excellent length and poise through the finish. A very classy, fresh, and complex Chardonnay of immaculate balance. Bravo.

95 POINTS

Lisa Cardelli - Winepilot

A reductive, flinty, stuck-match-like opening on the nose. Then, crunchy nectarines, pink grapefruit, sea spray, fresh cream, melted butter, vanilla pods, toasted hazelnuts, and almonds. The palate is chiselled, and after the saltiness, the sweet spices, lees characters, and citrus and green fruit flavours unfurl, leaving a visible trace like the foam left by an ocean wave.

95 POINTS

Jane Faulkner - Halliday Wine Companion

An impressive offering with no shortage of flavour yet everything composed and in its place. So the fruit, the spice, the oak and lees are in harmony, balanced and nothing dominating. The palate is very even, fine and long, all thanks to beautiful, refreshing acidity leading this to a long finish.

95 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2023 Mount Barker Chardonnay hails from the magnificent 2023 season, which was long and mild, dry and fine. The wine leads with white-flesh stone fruit, white flowers and juniper, salted cashews, cilantro and crushed seashells. The palate is imbued with powerful laser-like acidity and structural, potently intense fruit, with flavors like biting into a ripe peach and of something salty like pistachios. The acidity here is salivating and juicy, and the length through the finish is impressive. The fruit for this wine is sourced from several vineyards in the Mount Barker subregion, and their elevation has given the wine its personality. This is impressive, a magnificent wine. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

94 POINTS

Kasia Sobiesiak - The Wine Front

Quiet to start but showing understated power. Salty acidity, full of citrus, citrus blossoms, jasmine and white peach, star fruit, mint, almond and a hint of caramel. It’s a complete collection of aromas and flavours. Consequently quite citrusy in flavour with a green apple crunch mid-way and chalky finish. Refreshing style with plenty of flavour and elegance.

93 POINTS

Nicole Bilson - Winepilot

What a delight this is! The initial impression is lifted aromatics not often associated with Chardonnay – wildflowers and a hint of fresh lavender. The fruit is sourced from the Mount Barrow vineyard, at the eastern end of the Mount Barker subregion in Great Southern, Western Australia. The elevated site offers cooler growing temperatures, hence the unexpected florals, and aromas of freshly cut grapefruit and seashell minerality. There is excellent concentration and drive on the palate with fine, refreshing acidity. Mixed citrus and ripe peach flavours come to the fore with a very well balanced spicy cardamom and nutmeg from 40% new oak in a range of barrel sizes. Beautiful length and texture round out the experience. This is a wee poppet of a wine age-wise and will cellar beautifully.

93 POINTS

Angus Hughson - Vinous

The 2023 Mount Barker Chardonnay is a perky young wine with bright yet refined aromas of peach skin and melon fruit, coated with nutty praline from barrel fermentation and maturation, and a savory twist. Firm acidity drives a tight, linear palate with a chalky texture and a generous finish marked by sinewy grip. Nice wine, but it needs a little time.