Product Description:
The S.R.H. Chardonnay is drawn from a single 12-row block at Olive Tree Hill, planted in 1976 to clone P58 and rooted in clay, limestone and ancient marine sediment. These are Bannockburn’s oldest Chardonnay vines, producing fruit of rare intensity and concentration. Named in honour of estate founder Stuart Reginald Hooper, this bottling has become a touchstone for Geelong Chardonnay, carrying both power and ageworthiness.
Handpicked fruit was whole-bunch pressed, wild-fermented in French oak hogsheads (about 30% new), and aged for ten months on lees without stirring. Seventy percent of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, the remainder held taut for freshness. The result is Chardonnay that is tightly coiled and powerful, driven by concentrated citrus and stone fruit, with piercing minerality and saline length. The magnum format offers the patience and slow evolution this wine deserves, making it a compelling choice for the cellar.
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
– Citrus and mineral
Grapefruit and lemon zest layered with white peach, flint and hints of struck stone.
PALATE
– Coiled and powerful
A concentrated core of citrus and stone fruit, laced with chalky texture and saline drive.
FINISH
– Taut and enduring
Focused, mineral length with spine-tingling energy and the promise of graceful evolution.
Finer Details:
Style – White Wine
Varietal – Chardonnay
Country – Australia
Region – Geelong, Victoria
Vintage – 2024
Bottle Size – 1.5L
ABV – 13.5%
Closure – Screwcap
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