The 2026 WA Wine Review from Ray Jordan marks another benchmark year for Thompson Estate, with exceptional scores across both estate and Specialist bottlings, underscoring the precision and consistency achieved in recent vintages.
At the top of the range, The Specialist Chardonnay 2023 was awarded 97 points, described as one of the finest Chardonnays produced by the estate, combining depth, poise, and sustained elegance. The reds from the outstanding 2023 season also shone. The Specialist Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 achieved 97 points, recognised for its concentration, finesse, and long-term cellaring potential, while the Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 followed closely with 96 points, praised for its elegance and regional clarity.
The cooler ripening conditions of 2023 were equally well expressed in the Shiraz 2023, which received 96 points for its balance, refinement, and finely integrated tannins. Completing the lineup, the early-picked Chardonnay 2024 earned 93 points, delivering vibrancy, structure, and classic Margaret River intensity.
Read Ray Jordan’s full report at www.rayjordanwine.com.au.
Thompson Estate The Specialist Chardonnay 2023
This is the pinnacle of chardonnay produced at Thompson Estate, and this is certainly one of the finest they have produced. Strikes immediately on the nose with a complex maze of cashew, butterscotch, and slightly savoury notes, providing an engaging opening. The palate, though, is where this wine comes alive. There's a deep intensity here with concentrated fruit. It's delivered with such poise and refinement through sustained elegance.
Score 97/100
Cellar 10 years
Thompson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
This is a most stylish and refined expression of Margaret River cabernet. It has the intensity and concentrated power, yet what it's done has been delivered with such elegance and precision that it captures much of what this cooler, outstanding season delivered in the region. Red fruits with a leafy, black currant, and bay leaf character, and just that trace of oyster shell complexity on the nose.
Score 96/100
Cellar 10 years
Thompson Estate The Specialist Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Here is elegance and style, with a touch of panache that provides an exemplary example of this vineyard, this region, and this vintage. Aromas of black currant, leafy cedar, oyster shell, and subtle bay leaf nuances. The palate hauls it all in tight and close, and then releases it through to a very long and powerfully sustained finish. There's a deep concentration of ripe, juicy fruit in here, with a fine chalky acid.
Score 97/100
Cellar 20 years
Thompson Estate Chardonnay 2024
This is a wine from the warmer '24 season, but was picked earlier in the year before the heat took hold, and so the wine is quite restrained and vibrant, displaying lively melon and grapefruit nuances with just a little lemon meringue. Palate has that deep and powerful Margaret River intensity. It's structured, has good acidity and a slightly chalky, minerally mouthfeel.
Score 93/100
Cellar 8 years
Thompson Estate Shiraz 2023
This is a super impressive shiraz from this wonderful season. The longer, cooler ripening period has allowed the flavours to build intensity and depth, and in perfect harmony, striking a balance of tannin and fleshy fruit. Aromas of plum and spices with a little liqueur cherry complexity. The palate is so elegantly poised and refined with such fine silky tannins and precisely integrated oak, holding the fruit through to an extended finish. This is a mighty impressive wine.
Score 96/100
Cellar 10 years