La Kooki 2021 Boya Chardonnay
Boya means 'stones' in Noongar, the language of the Wadandi people, Margaret River's traditional custodians, and provides connection to the country and terroir that has contributed to this truly unique and complex Margaret River Chardonnay, reflecting its sense of place.
A rock and roll chardonnay sourced from two Margaret River vineyards, Penny Lane and Grace & White. We whole-bunch pressed the handpicked fruit and wild fermented in French barriques. Stones were collected from our favourite coastal locations in Margaret River and added to the barrels during maturation, keeping them full. Texture, minerality and complexity evolved by rolling the barrels, using the motion of the stones to assist the lees stirring process over a nine-month maturation period.
Check out more about how we make this highly-rated Chardonnay.
REVIEWS:
95 Points – Halliday Wine Companion, by Erin Larkin
"If you missed last year's Boya Chardonnay, this concept will be new to you. Boya means 'stones' in the local Wadandi language. Gingin fruit is fermented wild in barrel with full solids, along with smooth stones collected from the local coast. The barrels are then periodically rolled, agitating the stones within, stirring the lees and creating layers of textural complexity. It's pretty astounding, and the resulting wine picks up the shale and mineral characters of the rocks (suggestive, yes). While the wine is (like the 2020) stingingly acidic, it is set against a backdrop of crushed quartz, white peach, brine, green apple skins and pulverised almonds, bringing the picture into focus and balance. It is very smart and very fine. The length of flavour the key."
92 Points – The Real Review, by Huon Hooke
"Light yellow colour, restrained wine, with lemon/citrus aromas and a hint of oatmeal, the palate flavour bright and fresh, tense and refined, on the restrained side but quite long on the finish. There are delicious nectarine and lemon flavours that linger very satisfactorily."