Description
Shadowfax located 30 minutes from Melbourne was established in 1998. Winemaker Alister Timms has a strong focus on regionality with the majority of fruit sourced and hand-harvested from their vineyards in the Macedon Ranges and Werribee as well as small growers in Geelong. Each and every vineyard has its own distinct characteristics and produces grapes of only the highest quality. They have taken tremendous strides in recent times, with the team refining the range and proving their prowess with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their single-vineyard Chardonnays have taken out Best Chardonnay at the Macedon Ranges Wine Exhibition no fewer than five times. Especially noteworthy have been the Little Hampton Vineyard in Macedon’s high-altitude plantings of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Macedon is the chilliest region of Australia’s mainland, perfectly suited to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and its location south of the Great Dividing Range produces excellent acid retention in grapes. These are the vibrant future of Australia’s cool-climate wine scene.
About this wine from the winemaker “At 740m above sea level, Little Hampton’s extra cool nights help retain natural acidity in the grapes. As a result, this wine walks a tightrope, with sherbert acidity and lime pith falling off the side. A great example of cold climate Macedon Ranges Chardonnay and one that will have you coming back for more.
The 2025 vintage – “A mild summer and mild autumn led to perfect growing season. A cool spring and mild summer led to small crops that ripened early. The 740 meters above sea level elevation site of Little Hampton has extra cool nights, helping to retain natural acidity in the grapes, being picked in the first few weeks of April. Whilst the Midhill vineyard 540m, fruit was picked in the last week of March. Fruit was hand picked in small batches in pristine condition.
“Hand harvested fruit was firmly whole bunch pressed to impart some skin contact to release the full flavour profile and impart some phenolic texture. Natural ferment occurred in new (30%) and older French Hoggs Head and Puncheon barrels. The wine was left to unwind and age slowly on its ferment lees to add generosity. Every barrel was treated as is own entity, with some allowed to go through natural Malolactic fermentation to add further depth. After 11 months the wine was racked and filtered prior to bottling in March 2026.
“This distinctive Macedon ranges chardonnay bursts from the glass with ginger, peach fuzz, white florals and grapefruit. Hints of lees derived nougat, fresh brioche and mineral notes are complexed with toasty oak notes. The perfume is persistent and intriguing, belying the complex and powerful wine beneath. Grapefruit and lime fruits spill immediately onto the palate. The fruit flavours are augmented with wild ferment characters such as brioche and barrel warmth. The palate is full and luscious, with a line of acid pulling the wine in, whilst adding length. The wine is textured with ginger spice like characters adding another element. A great example of cold climate Macedon ranges Chardonnay. Enjoy.”
2025 was an excellent vintage for Chardonnay in the Macedon Ranges. With flavour and finesse on the palate, it’s a moreish wine that showcases the elegance and purity of great Macedon Ranges Chardonnay.
93+ points, Campbell Mattinson “This is an elegant chardonnay with a whole lot of charm. It tastes of stonefruit, grapefruit, lime, tonic water and a combination of cedar spice and cracked wheat, and while it has flavour up its sleeve it feels juicy, mouthwatering and more-ish throughout. The word refreshing is apt here. So too the word stylish, in an unforced way. This a lovely wine, great for drinking – and indeed for cellaring. “
RRP $45 Our Special Price only $36.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
