Bannockburn S.R.H. Chardonnay 2022

Stuart Hooper had a vision to create a vineyard in Australia that would produce exceptional quality wines. In the early 1970s he selected a plot of land in the Moorabool Valley and planted shiraz vines. As the vineyard expanded, more land was acquired, and additional grape varieties were planted. Bannockburn Vineyards, founded by Stuart Hooper, continues to thrive today, with a commitment to quality and organic farming practices. Matt Holmes joined Bannockburn Vineyards as the winemaker in 2015, aiming to produce wines representative of the vineyard's style and site with gentle inputs and minimal additions in the winemaking process.

Bannockburn Vineyards is comprised of 24 vineyard blocks, 8 grape varieties, and 16 clones. The soil is low-fertility with good drainage, allowing for controlled growth. Organic farming principles are followed, with the addition of compost to maintain vineyard balance. The soil variations range from volcanic surface debris to ancient sea beds, layered over limestone bedrock. The first vineyard was planted in 1974, making the vines some of the oldest in the Geelong region. The Moorabool Valley, where the vineyards are located, has an average annual rainfall of 540mm, primarily occurring in winter and spring. The region benefits from a maritime influence, resulting in mild temperatures and long sunshine hours. The stable, dry and low-humidity conditions during the grape-growing season allow for a mild and extended ripening period, ideal for healthy vines and gradual flavour development. The unique combination of meagre rainfall, low vigour soils, prevailing winds and close plantings contributes to the restricted yields and distinctive flavors and structures of Bannockburn wines.

Bannockburn's SRH Chardonnay 2022 is a tribute to the founder and pioneer of the vineyard, Stuart Reginald Hooper. This wine is made from a unique selection of 12 rows of the oldest Chardonnay vines at Olive Tree Hill vineyard, planted in 1976 to clone P58. These rows are special because they are most influenced by the site of an ancient seabed and sit in the middle of a north-facing slope with an east-west row exposition. The handpicked fruit was whole bunch pressed to tank for settling overnight before being racked to barrels for wild yeast fermentation in French oak hogsheads, of which 33% was new. The wine underwent partial malolactic fermentation (70%) and was left unstirred on lees for 10 months before being blended and bottled. The result is a distinctive Chardonnay that showcases the unique characteristics of the vineyard, with a balance of fruit flavors and oak influence.

The Bannockburn S.R.H. Chardonnay 2022 is a true reflection of the renowned vineyard, exhibiting richness and intensity that are characteristic of this site. The wine offers a chiselled and energetic mouthfeel, creating a captivating and harmonious experience. It strikes a perfect balance between fruit weight, tensile acidity, and supple texture, with an interplay of stone fruit flavors, subtle oak notes and a hint of vanilla. The wine's multi-dimensional character is further enhanced by nuances of roasted hazelnut, dried straw, wild fennel, creamed cashew, peat and subtle stone fruit persuasions. Its light to medium yellow hue and biscuity and wheat-mealy aromas with superb scents and flavors, including buttery character and nougat complexities, add to its allure. The wine possesses latent power, exhibiting a touch of firmness and grip on the finish, while maintaining a well-structured and balanced profile. Crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, this wine is a testament to Bannockburn's commitment to producing exceptional Chardonnays that showcase the unique characteristics of their vineyards. It is no surprise that the SRH Chardonnay consistently ranks among Australia's finest.

Light-medium yellow with a biscuity/wheat-mealy bouquet, superbly scented and flavoured with a hint of buttery character along with nougat complexities. Latent power. Has a touch of firmness and grip at the end and is nicely balanced and structured. A real food wine. -Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 95 Points.

An effete comparison, but this is the most Burgundian chardonnay of the suite. Roasted hazelnut, dried straw, wild fennel, creamed cashew, peat and subtle stone fruit persuasions. Nothing obvious, mind you. The palate is mid-weighted of feel, but slightly more weighty and bumptious than its glitzy Grigsby sibling before the acidity is folded beneath an undercarriage of saline torque and impeccably managed phenolics, closing down for now. This will age exceptionally well. Best after 2026. Screw cap. - Ned Goodwin MW, jamessuckling.com, 95 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Geelong, Victoria
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
Closure - Screw Cap