Description
Dominique Portet was established following 10 consecutive generations of winemaking in the Portet family, stretching back to the 18th century. Dominique went to start his own dream and established Taltarni in 1976 then later Clover Hill in north-east Tasmania. Ben Portet is now at the winemaking helm and, like many Australian-born winemakers, spent time overseas to experience other terroirs, including vintages at Louis Roederer and Warwick Estate in South Africa.
Sourced from a mature vineyard in Gladysdale, nestled in the Upper Yarra at 250 metres elevation. The steep, volcanic red soils promote slow ripening and naturally high acidity—ideal conditions for Chardonnay. The 2024 vintage brought balanced yields thanks to improved fruit set, followed by a mild, even summer. Free from heat extremes, the long ripening season delivered fruit with exceptional flavour concentration, freshness, and drive—a hallmark year for the region.
The hand-harvested fruit was whole-bunch pressed directly to French oak for fermentation, using a mix of barriques (228L) and puncheons (500L), with 25% new oak lending subtle spice and structure. Around 30% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation to build softness and mouthfeel. Lees were stirred through the early months for added body and texture. After nine months in oak, the wine spent a further two months in tank to settle naturally before bottling.
94 points, Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion “From a vineyard in Gladysdale. 60/40% puncheons/barriques (25% new). 40% mlf. Richer than last year’s but no less complex, with its bouquet of stone fruits and orange blossom together with a gentle nuttiness and light vanillin overlay. Mouth-filling and chalky. Good stuff to drink now and over the next three to five years.”
RRP $49 Our Special Price $41.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
