Why not purchase a little piece of Yarra Valley history?

The History of Chardonnay

Chardonnay is Australia’s most planted white grape variety. It’s a grape that has enjoyed the industry’s highs and weathered its lows with a remarkable level of resilience and continues to hold a special place in the heart of Australian wine lovers across the globe. Its story in Australia is an ancient one that began when James Busby, known as the father of Australian viticulture, brought the first vine cuttings into the country in the 1830s. It wasn’t until the early 1970s that Chardonnay gained a foothold in the Australian wine market. With its origins in France’s revered Burgundy region, Chardonnay quickly took root in Australia thanks to its disease resistance, relatively hardy temperament, early ripening and site adaptability.

Chardonnay excels in cool climates and the ground in which Chardonnay is grown imparts its own character and qualities. When the Yarra Valley was replanted in the 1960s and 1970s, Bordeaux varieties were the order of the day but the 1980s and 1990s saw a shift to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This shift has grown to the point where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the most planted varieties in our region.

Our Premium Chardonnay

Premium Australian Chardonnay is having a moment in the spotlight and we thought we should highlight our array of Chardonnay styles. The Ultimate Chardonnay pack is a mix of current release and museum wines from our Black Label, White Label and Signature Series ranges. A deep dive into the some of the best vintages in the Yarra Valley.

From our Black Label Range expect a richer style of Chardonnay. The grapes are from vineyards in warmer sites so the fruit profile is more guava and ripe peach than the White Label.

Our White label wines come from the Willowlake vineyard which is known for producing leaner, acid-driven Chardonnay as a result of its elevation and cooler climate.

The Signature Series is the best of the best. The 2017 vintage was one of the greatest on record and is showing some development. The 2020 vintage was tiny and a little tricky for reds but cool enough for iconic Chardonnay.

What’s included in the pack:
1 x 2022 Black Label Chardonnay is citrus-driven and textural – Tasting note
1 x 2018 Black Label Chardonnay is ripe and creamy – Tasting note
1 x 2022 White Label Chardonnay is elegant and mineral-driven – Tasting note
1 x 2017 White Label Chardonnay is fruit-driven and toasty – Tasting note
1 x 2020 Signature Series Chardonnay is bright and complex – Tasting note
1 x 2017 Signature Series Chardonnay is round and generous – Tasting note