Bannockburn Winery Block Chardonnay 2024

Description

Product Description: From a single block first planted in 1981, this Chardonnay is a clear lens into Bannockburn’s DNA. Sourced from the winery’s driveway vineyard, the fruit ripens early and is harvested in multiple passes to capture both freshness and depth. The final blend is selected from barrels that best reflect the season, resulting in a Chardonnay that sits at the heart of the estate’s style. This 2024 release shows Bannockburn at its most assured — layered with stone fruit, citrus, struck match, and subtle hay-like detail. There’s a gentle pulpy texture that moves seamlessly across the palate, carried by chalky acidity and a bright, focused finish. It is both familiar and new: a wine that feels deeply rooted in its Geelong home yet alive with seasonal nuance. The Maker Bannockburn Vineyards, founded by Stuart Hooper in 1974, has earned a reputation as one of the Barossa Valley’s most respected estates. With a vision to create exceptional quality wines, Stuart’s journey began with the planting of Shiraz vines in the region’s unique terroir of volcanic soil and ancient sea beds. Over the years, Bannockburn’s growth continued with the addition of new vineyards and varieties, leading to the estate’s current focus on organic farming and sustainable viticulture. Matt Holmes, who joined as the winemaker in 2015, has continued the legacy with a fresh perspective, placing emphasis on minimal intervention winemaking. Under Matt’s direction, Bannockburn has evolved stylistically, moving towards a racier, more precise expression of the vineyard’s character while maintaining its core focus on quality, balance, and expression of terroir. Today, Bannockburn Vineyards is known for its distinct wines, especially its iconic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, crafted from some of the oldest vines in the Geelong region. Philosophy At Bannockburn, the philosophy is centred on the belief that great wines are a reflection of both the land and the winemaker’s careful stewardship. The estate’s organic practices ensure that each vine is nurtured in a way that respects the environment, with composting, straw mulching, and cover crops used to maintain soil health and avoid herbicide use. This commitment to organic farming allows the vineyard to flourish naturally, producing grapes of exceptional quality and distinct character. The focus on low-yielding, close-planted vines, particularly in their historic sites like the Serre and Olive Tree Hill vineyards, results in wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region—flavours are concentrated and textures are complex. In the winery, minimal intervention practices are followed, with wild yeast fermentations and low additions, allowing the true expression of the site to shine through. This careful, patient approach to both viticulture and winemaking results in wines that embody integrity, balance, and the unmistakable essence of Bannockburn. Tasting Notes NOSE – Citrus & stone fruit White peach and citrus with a delicate struck match edge. PALATE – Layered & textural Pulpy stone-fruit flavours with subtle hay and savoury detail. FINISH – Long & chalky Focused persistence with bright acidity and mineral lift. Finer Details: Style – White Wine Varietal – Chardonnay Country – Australia Region – Geelong, Victoria Vintage – 2024 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13.5% Closure – Screwcap