Clairault Streicker Chardonnay / 2023 / 750mL

The Clairault Streicker Ironstone Vineyard Chardonnay is a precise, mid-weight white from Wilyabrup in the heart of Margaret River, Western Australia. It sits in the modern Margaret River style — grapefruit and white peach up front, with flintiness rather than sweetness carrying the finish.

On the nose there's nectarine, lemon curd and a touch of white flower, with a struck-match edge that gives the fruit some tension. Air brings out a nutty, almost cashew-like depth underneath.

The palate is taut and linear, with grapefruit pith and green apple acidity running the length of the wine. Texture builds through the middle — a creamy, slightly chalky feel that fills out the mouth without weighing it down — before a dry, mineral-tinged finish that lingers on citrus rind.

Pour it with grilled marron or prawns, roast chicken with lemon and thyme, or a plate of scallops with brown butter. It also handles richer fare well, from pork belly to a mushroom risotto, where the acidity does the cutting.

Drinking nicely now, though a year or two in the cellar will soften the acid line and let the nutty, savoury characters come forward. Best enjoyed over the next five to seven years, served around 12 degrees rather than straight from the fridge.