2020 Juniper Cornerstone Wilyabrup Chardonnay

Aged in French oak for up to 10 months. Brilliant pale straw colour with distinct highlights of green around the edges and a watery hue. Pronounced white peach, ripe nectarine and dried honey scents intermix with hints of crème brulee, roasted almond, nougat and gun flint. Rich white peach and nectarine fruits flood the palate with traces of grapefruit, dried honey, biscuity oak, almond, crème brulee and infusions of gun flint spread across the back half. A gentle mid palate creaminess is complimented by a vibrant freshness. Finishes long, highly detailed and refined.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
75% Clone 95, the balance GinGin. Wild ferment in French oak (45% new). No mlf, matured for 9 months. The nose here is far more citrusy than it is peachy, with layers of brine, graphite, green apple and licks of guava. On the palate it follows in this racy manner. It is restrained, long and very tart (in a scintillating and refreshing kind of way). The warmer year, a high-acid clone and the lack of mlf come together to achieve balance, interest, austerity and class. Drink by 2031.
95 Points
Erin Larkin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

This is the initial release of this wine and follows the Karridale sourced version released earlier this year. It is a stunning wine. A blend of Clone 95 and the ubiquitous Gingin clone. Wild yeast fermented and no malolactic fermentation, although lees stirring has brought texture and richness into the powerful palate. Intense and powerful with a lemon curd, roasted cashew and light toast complementing the fruit concentration. Has a dry, savoury slightly chalky finish. It is a masterful wine and may well be the best chardonnay yet from Messenger and the crew at Juniper. Drink 2021-2031.
97 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com