2024 Freycinet Vineyard Chardonnay

Since 1990, Freycinet Chardonnay has repeatedly won high praise, being especially noted for its consistently high quality and age worthiness. Prime Chardonnay fruit from our original 1979 plantings is handpicked at optimal ripeness and whole bunch pressed followed by fermentation in French oak barriques. During maturation in barrel, regular battonage is carried out to enhance the texture of the wine and balance the crystalline Tasmanian acidity. The result is a triumphant wine of place; elegant and intense, on par with some of the finest white Burgundies.

The 2024 season on the east coast of Tasmania saw the return of warmer, drier conditions after three cooler, wetter, La Nina influenced seasons. The winter preceding the growing season set the scene with mild above average temperatures throughout and close to normal rainfall. Spring and summer continued this warmer than average temperature pattern and low rainfall. Budburst was early as a result and settled flowering conditions provided a return to long-term average yields with perfect, well-formed bunches. Given the extra warmth throughout the season all varieties ripened beautifully and up to three weeks earlier than normal. Fruit quality was exceptional with concentrated flavours and ripe, juicy acidity.

This wine is tightly crafted and combines purity, power and persistence. The delicate aroma features citrus and melon fruits with notes of hazelnut and spice. The palate is pristine, fresh and vibrant revealing ripe rockmelon, white peach, grapefruit and lime peel flavours strung together with shimmering acidity and spicy oak. 40% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation contributing a creamy texture. A wonderful balance of luxurious texture and tension signal a long future ahead.

A favourite match with Tasmanian crayfish, this wine is equally suited to roast chicken and pork.

While this wine offers considerable pleasure now, cellaring over a 10 to 20 year period will prove rewarding.

DRINK: Now to 2040