2018 Mchenry Hohnen Chardonnay Burnside Margaret River 750 ml

Margaret River is one of the world’s greatest Chardonnay regions, and McHenry Hohnen is one of its hottest producers. Their wines show a citrusy intensity and restrained richness that are hallmarks of the world’s finest. 

They’re just not priced that way.

You might not know McHenry Hohnen—their wines just aren’t seen stateside—but they’re a vanguard, biodynamic producer, destined for stardom. They’re rated Five Red Stars by Australian wine authority James Halliday, a distinction reserved for “truly the best of the best.” Their 2018 Burnside Vineyard Chardonnay sports gorgeous ripe fruit, vibrant acidity, and a beautiful leesy, matchstick note that reminds us of a great Chassagne-Montrachet or Meursault. Its stupendous quality-to-price ratio demanded that we direct-import it.

Gorgeous wines often come from gorgeous places, and the beauty of this Chardonnay is no mystery once you set eyes on Margaret River. The maritime-influenced Australian region is practically Napa Valley on the ocean, and that proximity to the sea does more than make Margaret River the ultimate location for surfer-winemakers. The Indian Ocean is mere kilometers from Burnside Vineyard, planted in 1981. Ocean breezes cool the grapes, which bathe in copious amounts of sunshine all season long. It’s a combination that makes Margaret River a perfect place for viticulture. Even Robert Mondavi was so convinced of the area’s potential that he flirted with buying property there in the early 1970s.

No bottle shows Margaret River’s personality and quality better than this jewel. We know that before too long, we’re going to have some company in the scrum to direct-import this producer. Years from now, you’ll be able to say you were among the first to collect this emerging icon on the way up.