McHenry Hohnen: Crafting world-class Chardonnay in Margaret River
Few estates capture the essence of Margaret River quite like McHenry Hohnen. Rooted in the region’s southern heartland, the winery has become synonymous with purity, craftsmanship and respect for nature. What began as a partnership between two pioneering families has evolved into one of Australia’s most authentic expressions of terroir.
Founded in 2004 by brothers-in-law David Hohnen and Murray McHenry, the estate brought together two names already woven into the fabric of Australian wine. David, co-founder of Cape Mentelle and Cloudy Bay, helped define both Margaret River and New Zealand wine for the world. Murray, an experienced merchant and vineyard owner, shared his vision for wines that speak clearly of place. Their shared philosophy of minimal intervention, natural balance and uncompromising quality remains at the heart of McHenry Hohnen today.
World Class Chardonnay:
Chardonnay has become the signature of McHenry Hohnen, drawing global attention for its purity and detail. Sourced mainly from Burnside and Calgardup, the wines are wild-fermented and matured in fine-grained French oak, with minimal handling to preserve texture and freshness. The result is a Chardonnay of remarkable restraint, combining citrus zest, white peach and flint with a fine mineral backbone. It captures the clarity of Margaret River’s coastal terroir and the precision of the estate’s winemaking philosophy.
Wines produced
The estate farms three exceptional vineyards: Burnside, Calgardup and Hazel’s, located across the southern reaches of Margaret River near Witchcliffe and Redgate. All are certified organic and farmed biodynamically, creating vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystems where vines and soils work in harmony.
Burnside Vineyard Chardonnay
A gravelly loam site resting on granite and limestone, Burnside produces Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with remarkable tension and minerality. Its proximity to the coast and cooler nights contribute to finesse and saline precision in the wines.
Calgardup Vineyard Chardonnay
Nestled closer to the Indian Ocean, Calgardup’s gravelly soils over clay lend structure and depth to red varieties. The Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from this vineyard are known for their savoury intensity, fine tannins and long, balanced finishes.
Hazel’s Vineyard Chardonnay
Located further inland on ironstone and laterite soils, Hazel’s is the warmest of the three sites, producing richly fruited, textural wines. It is the source of the acclaimed Hazel’s Vineyard Syrah, one of Australia’s most elegant cool-climate expressions of the variety.
