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.

Very spicy nose with ginger-biscuit and underlying grapefruit, a very Gingin clone style of chardonnay, with really impressive depth of flavour and concentration, and long persistence. Generous but balanced oak. Lots going on here. A smashing chardonnay. Date Tasted: June 20251; Drink: 2025 to 2039; Alcohol: 13%; Price: $100.00; Rating: 96 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

Gorgeously composed and expressed, the wine shows golden peach, mango, lemon peel, vanilla, and cedar characters on the nose. The concentrated palate delivers terrific weight and expansive mouthfeel, superbly framed by creamy texture and finely pitched acidity. Multi-layered with wonderful complexity. At its best: 2027 to 2039. Date: Mar 2025;  Price: $100.00; Rating: 96 Points; Wine Orbit

Those who have not encountered this wine previously need to rectify that as soon as possible, especially if they are fans of topnotch Chardonnay. This wine is actually very similar to their Estate Chardy from the same vintage, but it offers an extra degree of finesse. A percentage of new French oak, around one-third, is used in maturation and it, too, takes the wine to a higher level. The colour here is a lovely lemon/gold. The nose offers alluring perfumes of peaches, nectarines, cashews, florals, ginger, lemon curd, florals and melon. We see a move to oatmeal on the palate and the early signs of the complexity that will surely build to a crescendo over the next decade. As mentioned, the oak is even more impressive here and it does seem to have progressed through integration a little quicker. There is good focus and length here, with a fine line of fresh acidity. Surely, a ten-year proposition. Drink to: 2025-2035; Price: $100.00; Rating: 95 Points; Ken Gargett