96 Points – James Halliday

Pierro Chardonnay is a richer, more powerful expression of Margaret River — full of flavour, texture and presence, but still tightly controlled.

It delivers generosity upfront, then pulls everything back with structure and precision. This is one of Australia’s most distinctive and celebrated Chardonnays.

My Wine Man

This is for someone who wants Chardonnay with real weight and texture — not just freshness.

With 96 Halliday points, Pierro sits firmly in the premium tier, but with a different style to more restrained, linear wines. Mike Peterkin has been crafting this wine for decades, and the consistency and quality speak for themselves.

If you like Chardonnay that feels generous and layered, but still finishes clean and balanced, this is a very strong pick.

What makes this wine stand out

This leans into a more opulent style — ripe fruit, texture and winemaking influence all playing a role.

Lemon-lime, stone fruit and melon sit at the core, backed by ginger spice and a creamy lees-driven texture.

The key is the acidity — it cuts through the richness and keeps everything focused, stopping it from becoming heavy.

That balance between richness and control is what makes Pierro stand out.

Style / drinking window

Medium to full-bodied with citrus, stone fruit, melon and subtle spice.

Creamy texture balanced by firm acidity, giving structure and length.

Drinking very well now, and will continue to integrate and develop with short to medium-term cellaring.

Why this is a smart buy

If you find some top Chardonnays too tight or restrained, Pierro gives you more upfront flavour and texture without sacrificing quality.

With 96 Halliday points, it delivers:

• richness and structure in equal measure
• one of Margaret River’s most distinctive Chardonnay styles
• decades of winemaking consistency and reputation

A strong alternative to more linear, precision-driven Chardonnay — and a compelling choice for a special occasion.

Looking for a different Chardonnay style?

• Pierro Fire Gully Chardonnay 2022 → same producer / more approachable / earlier drinking
• Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2020 → peer-level icon / more restrained and linear
• Shaw and Smith M3 Chardonnay 2024 → modern premium / more precise / different style

Life’s too short for bad wine.