2021 Bannockburn Chardonnay

Fruit for this Chardonnay was drawn from three of Bannockburn’s vineyards – Olive Tree Hill (planted in 1976), Winery Block (planted in 1981) and the more recently planted Kelly Lane. The juice was wild fermented in mainly 500-litre French oak hogsheads (20% new), with 70% undergoing malolactic fermentation, the resultant wine then matured for 10 months on lees with no stirring.
Brilliant pale straw colour with distinct highlights of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Nosing offers up a complex aromatic profile of white peaches, dried honey and roasted almonds which are married to citrusy nougat, subtle crème brulee and spice notes. Concentrated white peach, nectarine, dried honey and nougat flavours impart a gentle creaminess whilst notions of roasted almonds, light crème brulee and spice linger in the background. Finishes with ample freshness and a long refined aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.4%

Other Reviews....
Grown on a range of vineyards across the Bannockburn holdings, from 1976 plantings through to the most recent (2016). 20% new oak, with 70% of the final wine going through malo.
Bannockburn chardonnay is never short of flavour and so to this release, though the fresh zing of the finish brings a more modern twist, arguably. Pear, grapefruit, peach, cracked wheat and cedar flavours come strong and convincing, aided by citrus and fennel notes, the latter especially notable on the finish. The flavour of tinned pear here is as strong as it is delicious, it must be noted. This is an excellent release; it’s good for drinking now but it has many years up its sleeve. Drink 2023 - 2030+
94 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front (April 2022)

Whole-bunch pressed, fermented wild in French hogsheads and puncheons (20% new), 10 months on lees, partial mlf. True to the Bannockburn style which offers both power and finesse. The former is set in structure and solid in body. The latter is all about a world of marvellous fruit and oak flavours: mandarin skin, nectarine, white peach, buttered toast, almond bread, quince paste. It's dense, lifted by a citrusy acidity that is just so cleansing, so right. Drink by 2031.
95 Points
Jeni Port - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion (February 2022)