In 2024, we harvested our Chardonnay grapes primarily from the Van Der Mark vineyard in Bendigo. Owners Rob and Cherry are good friends of Māori Point, and we have been making Chardonnay with their grapes while the new plantings of Chardonnay at Māori Point are maturing. The growing season of 2024 was superb, with healthy grapes that showed excellent balance, and an earlier picking date than in the past

Grapes were hand harvested on April 4 and 12, then whole-bunch pressed, with select portions tread by foot. The wine was fermented by wild yeasts in oak barrels at Māori Point, and allowed to mature on lees in barrels. A long, cool fermentation and extended time on lees (with some lees stirring) in the Māori Point barrel hall contribute to a richly textured yet classically structured Chardonnay. The nose shows fresh bright citrus, white peach and apple, toasted hazelnut, with hints of smoke and minerality. On the palate that continues, with a beautiful tension between the fresh precise acidity, and the silky and supple complexity, leading to a long finish. Delicious now and will age well for 8 or more years. 

Technical notes: 12.9% alcohol, pH 3.4. Vegan friendly, minimal sulfites.