Jane and Peter Thompson purchased the Thompson Estate property in 1994, and the first plantings of chardonnay and pinot were in 1997, followed by the cabernet plantings in 1998. From the outset at Thompson Estate, the focus has been on high quality wine production and this has been recognized in a large number of wine show medals and accolades from the wine press. The most treasured has been the recognition by James Halliday, Australia’s premier wine critic, that Thompson Estate is a Five Red Star winery, placing it in the top echelon of Australian wineries.

Smoky/oaky bouquet with toasted nuts, smoky charred timber and underlying grapefruit/citrus, which becomes much more evident on palate where the wine is very intense, concentrated and persistent. Powerful grapefruit: a very Margaret River regional style, generously oaked. Date: Jan 2024; Alcohol: 13.5%; Drink: 2024-2034; Rating: 96 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

This is the team’s prestige Chardonnay. Being Margaret River, that means much is expected. And much delivered. Their best fruit is whole bunch pressed to tank for settling and then to new French oak barriques for a wild ferment. After further maturation, the best barrels are selected for blending, making only 1,845 bottles. A deep gold hue, this is a classy effort which is exhibiting excellent oak integration. There is early complexity already evident with notes of cashews, orange rind, stonefruits, spices and ginger, with a hint of lime-y acidity. Supple texture, impressive length, the wine is seamless with good intensity. A cracking Margaret River Chardy. Six to eight years. Date: Apr 2024; Price: $95.00; Drink: 2024-2032; Rating: 94 Points; Ken Gargett; Wine Pilot