West Cape Howe Old School Chardonnay 2025 from Mount Barker is a proper throwback – rich, creamy and seriously flavoursome, made the way Chardonnay used to be, with ripe fruit, malolactic creaminess and plenty of classy French oak in support. This 2025 Old School Chardonnay is full‑bodied, opulent and built to impress without getting clumsy.

In the glass, expect bright pale straw with a golden tint, and a hugely inviting nose of ripe peach and nectarine, rockmelon and honeydew, honeycomb, Anzac‑biscuit / granola notes, toasted almonds and crème‑brûlée / vanilla‑custard oak. The palate is plush, soft and toasty – peaches and white nectarine wrapped in vanilla‑bean custard, honeycomb, nougat and butterscotch, with creamy lees weight, silky texture and just enough fresh acidity to keep it all in check.

Food‑wise, West Cape Howe Old School Chardonnay 2025 is begging for roast chook, pork with crackling, creamy chicken or seafood pasta, or a rich pumpkin and sage gnocchi. It’ll also sing with crayfish or scallops in brown butter, smoked salmon, or a cheese board loaded with brie and washed‑rind styles – a cracking winter white and a crowd‑pleaser for any Chardonnay lover.