The 2026 vintage at Wills Domain is one for the record books, and not in a way that requires qualification. Following 2025’s outstanding season – widely regarded as one of the finest in recent memory – 2026 raised the bar further still.
The foundation was laid well before budburst. A total of 1,140mm of rainfall fell across the region between June 2025 and March 2026, replenishing deep subsoil reserves and driving excellent canopy growth and vine balance across all varieties. Budburst arrived approximately two weeks later than in 2025, following a cooler than average winter with high chill accumulation and reduced heat accumulation relative to a typical season. While rain persisted well into November, the summer months through to late March were dry and remarkably settled.
Heat events were limited – just seven days above 34°C and one day above 38°C recorded from December through March, each associated with northerly airflow. Critically, a summation of effective ripening degree days revealed overall conditions more closely resembling the much-admired 2022 season than a warm year: long, mild and even. Shoot growth across all blocks and varieties was uniform from the outset, flowering proceeded without incident, and fruit set was strong with no significant disease pressure. The afternoon sea breezes that define Margaret River summers were present and reliable, moderating temperature and maintaining pristine conditions through to harvest.
One of the season’s most welcome gifts was an exceptional Marri blossom. With Corymbia calophylla flowering abundantly across the property and surrounding bushland, birds had little incentive to look to the vines. Unlike the previous season, netting logistics were uncomplicated, and the vineyard team were free to focus their energy on canopy management and harvest preparation.
The planning of V2026 started with Tim (viticulturist) and Ely (winemaker) walking and talking rows – re-invigorating Block 7 Chardonnay was in our sights; cutting it back to four-cordon cane pruning – technical terms but put simply a rebalance and refresh for vines that after 25 years needed some TLC and boy did they respond!
White varieties were picked between 11 February and 13 March with exceptional varietal definition, freshness and natural acidity intact. The semillon from Wills Domain and sauvignon blanc off Wylco and Hamelin Bay vineyards were deliciously aromatic, working beautifully together to create this year’s Mystic Springs wines. But it’s the chardonnay that’s the most exciting after tasting barrels in May. Wills Domain blocks 7 and 13 shine with purity of fruit and tension and our grower blocks, Wylco and Georgettes vineyards bring that southern juiciness, light and shade. It’s going to be so much fun crafting the Paladin Hill and Eightfold Chardonnay’s this year!
The reds followed between 16 and 25 March. Across all varieties, the wines are expressive, deeply coloured and finely structured. Among the reds, Shiraz is the early standout. Block 5 was split across three whole bunch trials – 50%, 10% and destemmed – and early results look really promising for Paladin Hill.
Cabernet Sauvignon was physiologically ready and picked on its own terms – fruit, tannin and colour all in balance, reflecting excellent vine health across Blocks 3, 4 and 8. The timing proved fortunate; Cyclone Narelle made landfall in the southwest shortly after the final red parcel was received at the winery.
This vintage in a single word – extraordinary.