Cherubino Caves Road Chardonnay (Larry Cherubino, Margaret River, WA) offers a refined yet powerful take on the variety. Hand-picked fruit from Wilyabrup, Wallcliffe and Karridale is whole-bunch pressed, barrel-fermented in French oak (30 % new) with just 10 % malolactic, yielding a pale straw hue. Aromas of peach, roasted nuts and citrus blossom segue into flavours of grapefruit, lemon curd and mineral salts, lifted by taut acidity and subtle oak spice. Scoring 96 points from Ray Jordan WA, it promises graceful ageing over 7-9 years and will reward those seeking elegance with structure and regional distinction.