Product Description
Bannockburn Chardonnay is the epitome of what exceptional terroir and meticulous organic farming can achieve. For decades, this wine has set a standard in Victoria, with its rich history and track record that continues to impress wine lovers and critics alike. The estate’s vineyards, which include the famed Olive Tree Hill, S.R.H. parcel, Winery Block, and newer plantings from Stuart Block, Grigsby, and Kelly Lane, produce fruit with unparalleled complexity and precision. With an average vine age of around 35 years, these organically farmed sites, rooted in volcanic soils over limestone clays, yield fruit that consistently pushes the boundaries of quality.
The 2024 Bannockburn Chardonnay is a blend of carefully selected parcels, including a clonal mix of P58, Bernard 76, 95, and 96. Handcrafted with natural fermentation and maturation in French oak hogsheads and puncheons (25% new), this wine reflects Bannockburn’s commitment to producing wines of remarkable purity and depth. With 100% malolactic fermentation and 10 months spent on lees with no stirring, the result is a fleshy, nuanced Chardonnay with layers of complexity and a vibrant finish. The wine showcases the full expression of the vineyard, with stone fruits, citrus, and a mineral backbone that sets the tone for its bright future.
Drink now or cellar for 10+ years.
Perfect with roasted poultry, creamy pasta dishes, grilled seafood, or a charcuterie board with a selection of soft cheeses.
Maker:
Bannockburn Vineyards, founded by Stuart Hooper in 1974, has earned a reputation as one of the Barossa Valley’s most respected estates. With a vision to create exceptional quality wines, Stuart’s journey began with the planting of Shiraz vines in the region’s unique terroir of volcanic soil and ancient sea beds. Over the years, Bannockburn’s growth continued with the addition of new vineyards and varieties, leading to the estate’s current focus on organic farming and sustainable viticulture. Matt Holmes, who joined as the winemaker in 2015, has continued the legacy with a fresh perspective, placing emphasis on minimal intervention winemaking. Under Matt’s direction, Bannockburn has evolved stylistically, moving towards a racier, more precise expression of the vineyard’s character while maintaining its core focus on quality, balance, and expression of terroir. Today, Bannockburn Vineyards is known for its distinct wines, especially its iconic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, crafted from some of the oldest vines in the Geelong region.
Philosophy:
At Bannockburn, the philosophy is centred on the belief that great wines are a reflection of both the land and the winemaker’s careful stewardship. The estate’s organic practices ensure that each vine is nurtured in a way that respects the environment, with composting, straw mulching, and cover crops used to maintain soil health and avoid herbicide use. This commitment to organic farming allows the vineyard to flourish naturally, producing grapes of exceptional quality and distinct character. The focus on low-yielding, close-planted vines, particularly in their historic sites like the Serré and Olive Tree Hill vineyards, results in wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region—flavours are concentrated and textures are complex. In the winery, minimal intervention practices are followed, with wild yeast fermentations and low additions, allowing the true expression of the site to shine through. This careful, patient approach to both viticulture and winemaking results in wines that embody integrity, balance, and the unmistakable essence of Bannockburn.
Tasting Notes
NOSE – Ripe Stone Fruits, Citrus, Minerality
Flinty minerality and subtle nutty, doughy richness. The fruit is precise, while the chalky undertones add an extra dimension of complexity.
PALATE – Fleshy & Vivid
Bold, yet elegantly restrained. The vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavours are perfectly balanced by a taut mineral core and nutty richness, with a mouth-coating texture that invites another sip.
FINISH – Clean & Lingering
Long, precise, and vibrant, with a bright, clean acidity that cuts through the richness of the wine. The minerality lingers, leaving a lasting impression of purity and finesse.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Geelong, Victoria
Vintage - 2024
Bottle Size - 1.5L
ABV - 13%
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