‘…This is easily the best Pemberton Chardonnay I have seen from Cherubino…..utterly superb!’

97 points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate, Jan 2026

Larry Cherubino is somewhat of a legend in Australia, but he is relatively undiscovered here in the UK. He is a man of exceptional winemaking talent, and one whose wines represent astonishing value for money. This 97 point masterpiece is both approachable now but equally suitable for cellaring, and with just 1000 cases made it ticks all the boxes to be referred to as a ‘Grand Cru’ in other regions of the world – but at circa £34 per bottle on the table it doesn’t carry quite the same sting in the tail!  

The sum of Cherubino’s team experiences and their best performing parcels of vineyard are expressed in the ‘Cherubino’ range. It’s the best of what they do, from Margaret River to Pemberton, to the regions of the Great Southern. Handmade, with attention to detail at every step of the winemaking journey. They are their signature, the sign of their best work. 

·        Cherubino’s flagship Chardonnay, showcasing the very best vineyard parcels and winemaking expertise. 

·        Single-vineyard, Gingin clone Chardonnay from the Channybearup “Back Hill” block in Pemberton. 

·        Karri loam soils and mature vines delivering precision, depth and quality. 

·        Cool-climate Pemberton – a standout region for premium white wines, influenced by altitude and the Southern Ocean. 

·        Close your eyes and you could easily be drinking a Meursault, but without the price tag!

Pemberton is one of Western Australia’s most distinctive cool-climate regions, and that cool climate is exactly what underpins the character of Chardonnay in the Cherubino Black Label. Sitting further south and slightly elevated, Pemberton experiences lower average temperatures, higher rainfall, and fewer heat spikes than many WA regions. This leads to a long, slow growing season where Chardonnay ripens gradually, retaining natural acidity and developing fine flavour detail rather than overt richness. For Cherubino, this cool climate provides the foundation for precision, restraint, and longevity in the Black Label wines. 

Rainfall and temperature patterns are central to why Pemberton stands apart. With significantly higher winter and spring rainfall than Margaret River, vineyards often rely less on irrigation, and vines grow with consistent access to moisture throughout the season. Summers are mild, and ripening rarely feels rushed. In Chardonnay, this translates into wines that show clarity and tension — citrus, white stone fruit and subtle floral notes — rather than tropical or overtly ripe characters. 

Soil plays an important supporting role, but it is the cool climate that dictates how those soils express themselves in the glass. Pemberton’s deep karri loams and gravelly lateritic profiles allow vines to establish healthy root systems while naturally moderating vigour. In a cool climate like this, Chardonnay can achieve both flavour concentration and finesse, producing wines that feel layered and textural without becoming heavy or broad. 

Compared with Margaret River, the stylistic difference is immediately apparent. Margaret River also produces exceptional Chardonnay, but its slightly warmer, more Mediterranean climate typically delivers riper fruit profiles and a broader mid-palate. Pemberton’s cooler conditions shift the balance toward freshness, tighter structure, and a more linear palate shape. The acidity in Pemberton Chardonnay tends to feel more naturally integrated and driving, rather than rounded or softened by warmth. 

For the Cherubino Black Label Chardonnay, Pemberton’s cool climate allows the winemaking to stay deliberately hands-off. Fruit arrives with natural balance, meaning oak can be used sparingly and intelligently, supporting texture rather than defining flavour. The wines often show a quiet power — restraint on release, depth through the mid-palate, and a long, composed finish — all hallmarks of Chardonnay grown in genuinely cool conditions. 

Within Western Australia, Pemberton is unique because of how consistently cool it remains across the growing season, even compared with other southern regions. High rainfall, mild summers and a forested landscape create a growing environment that rewards patience and careful vineyard management. Chardonnay thrives here because it is a variety that responds directly to slow ripening, developing complexity through time rather than heat. 

Ultimately, what makes Pemberton so special for Cherubino’s Black Label Chardonnay is its cool climate clarity. These wines are not trying to emulate Margaret River or any other WA region; they speak in a quieter, more precise register. In a world increasingly drawn to freshness, balance and site expression, Pemberton offers a cool-climate voice that is distinct, confident, and entirely its own. 

N.B. This wine is not yet in stock but is due to be shipped in May/June 2026. Please email info@cellarselect.co.uk for more info, or availability will be confirmed after an order is placed.