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West Cape Howe Chardonnay 2011

A paradise for surfers, Western Australia is also home to some of Australia’s finest wineries. West Cape Howe can certainly be counted among them, situated as it is in Denmark, right on the coast of the Great Southern region. It was founded and run by Brendan and Kylie Smith for a “highly successful seven years” (James Halliday), before they sold up in 2004 to Gavin Berry, former winemaker to legendary Plantagenet Wines, and viticulturalist Rob Quenby. Together they make an impressive team.This is their showpiece Chardonnay, cool fermented on its lees for two months for extra weight and complexity, but unoaked, so very elegant and fresh in style. It’s a top drop on its own and will make a fine partner to grilled fish or seared scallops.