Product Description:
Close-planted vines delivering Chardonnay of power and poise. The Grigsby block, named for long-serving viticulturalist Lucas Grigsby, is a 0.87-acre site planted in 2007 and grafted to Bernard 76 clone in 2019. Farmed organically and at high density—8,333 vines per hectare—it sits on dark clay over basalt and limestone. This close planting brings intensity and precision, while the soils lend weight and structure.
Handpicked fruit was whole-bunch pressed and wild-fermented in French oak hogsheads, around a quarter new. Malolactic fermentation completed naturally, and the wine rested on lees, unstirred, for ten months before blending and bottling. The result is a Chardonnay that combines grip and breadth with saline freshness and underlying drive.
The 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
– Stonefruit and flint
White peach, nectarine and lemon curd layered with nougat, cashew and struck flint.
PALATE
– Textural depth
Creamy and fleshy yet taut, with pear skin, apple and savoury, umami undertones.
FINISH
– Long and precise
Mineral length, saline freshness and lingering nutty complexity.
Reviews & Accolades
“A hard yes—it’s flavoursome and frisky, long through the finish… stonefruit, flint, nashi pear, umami, nougat and cedar… in harmony.” — Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, 95 pts
“Creamy cashewnut, cured hay, singed-herb aromas; light and broad palate, balanced acidity, crisp herbal dry finish.” — Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 93 pts
“Vivid, full-throttle, substantive… grilled peaches, green pineapple, straw, herbs, cedarwood… creaminess with real cut… a stone-cold stunner.” — International Fine Wines, 94+ pts
Finer Details:
Style – White Wine
Varietal – Chardonnay
Country – Australia
Region – Geelong, Victoria
Vintage – 2024
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 13%
Closure – Screwcap
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