Irrewarra Chardonnay 2024

This wine is young, fresh and full of potential, and has evolved into some of the best Chardonnay in the country.

The vineyard sits at the top of a slope, facing large water reserves – Salt Lake and Calvert Lough – to the north. It is a site that shows great fruit expression with a deceptively long and mineral palate. Vintage occurs in April after a relatively long growing season.

"I had to check the notes for the previous release to make sure I wasn’t indulging in hyperbole two years in a row. The 2024 Irrewarra Chardonnay is brilliant. Lovely white gold in the glass the palate cool from the fridge yet immediately giving. It has a softness that defers to finer notes of acidity, ripe citrus and barley sugar; delicate honey and creaminess. In a world where making everyone happy is next to impossible, this wine, in my opinion goes as close to universal appeal as it can. Generosity combined with finesse, flavour and restraint. It may seem contradictory, but this is a wine in which you see that conflict play out in the glass. It’s very, very delicious. As always, the big problem will be getting enough to drink and also keep some in the cellar. I found myself glugging rather than sipping, as it is such a pleasure to drink." - Ben Knight, Benandwine