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 fruit for the 1314 Chardonnay is sourced from several blocks across Bannockburn’s organically farmed estate, including a healthy dose from the pedigreed 1976 plantings. This is a barrel selection of the estate’s 2024 crop, so the cellar practice is as it was for the estate wines. The fruit was pressed as bunches to hogsheads (20% new) for fermentation. As was the case last year, the oak is faultlessly integrated, a testament to the power of the site and soils and the skilled hand of Holmes. The wine underwent full malolactic conversion, followed by eight months of maturation on lees with no stirring. The 2024 is bright and bursting with citrus and stone fruits, with hints of richness and spice. Tight lines and racy fresh acidity match lovely fleshy weight and supple, silky texture. This is already singing and will flourish with some time in bottle.
93 points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front “This is right in the groove. It’s a definite ‘yes’ if it’s within reach. It brings more flavour than you might expect, but then Bannockburn chardonnay is rarely if ever shy. It tastes of white peach and nectarine, roasted nuts, citrus and honeysuckle. It’s not overly complicated but it’s not simple either. There’s a note of lemonade to their aftertaste, and a pastry-like note too. It’s very good. It feels unforced and yet it’s full of flavour.”
RRP $40 Our Special Price $32.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
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