Description
Since its establishment by Stuart Reginald Hooper in 1974, Bannockburn Vineyards has been at the vanguard of the Australian fine wine story, producing vineyard specific wines of the highest quality from the start. It lies 25 kilometres northwest of Geelong, located in the Moorabool Valley sub-region, just outside the township of Bannockburn. The estate comprises 26 vineyard blocks – including the iconic Serré vineyard (now the site of Australia’s oldest close-planted Pinot Noir vines) – planted to seven grape varieties, of which Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz form the key quintet. Here, Bannockburn’s predominantly mature vines are rooted in one of Victorias’ most unique low-fertility terroirs; volcanic surface debris and ancient sea beds running to richer and darker soils, layered over predominantly limestone bedrock.
Following almost a decade under the steam train of energy and passion that was Michael Glover, Matt Holmes is the winemaker charged with writing the next chapter of this singular estate, taking over in 2015.
Named for the year of the Battle of Bannockburn this Chardonnay is sourced from across Bannockburn’s organically farmed estate vineyards, and includes a parcel from the pedigreed 1976 vines. The fruit was whole-bunch pressed and settled overnight. Fermented wild, the wine rested on lees with no stirring for eight months, before blending and bottling. The 2022 saw 20% new oak which is faultlessly integrated.
It opens with beautiful ripe fruits, white florals and mineral accents framed by a nip of reduction. A touch more athletic than last year, it’s a finely drawn and focused release with impressive flavour intensity, nose-to-tail energy and some lovely phenolic grip. The lengthy finish is rounded out by a refreshing orange-skin bitterness and moreish citrus tang. Just a fantastic, unpretentious Chardonnay. Great now, it will only improve in the bottle. Made with all the love, care, detail as all Bannockburn wines.
RRP $36 Our Special Price $29.99
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