Clonakilla Chardonnay 2024

Tim Kirk sources his Chardonnay from high altitude – around 700 metres – vineyards in Tumbarumba. It would be fair to say that I suspect most people do not think of Clonakilla when they are talking top level Chardonnay, but, on the evidence of wines like this, I have no idea why. This is all class. An absolute belter. The grapes were whole bunch pressed into French oak puncheons, 30% new. Straw gold in hue, this is a fabulous Chardonnay and it revealed more every time one looked at it. There is already some serious complexity here. We have notes of cashews, a touch of hazelnuts, white peaches, jasmine, stone fruits, florals and ginger on the nose. There is fresh juicy acidity and the creamiest of textures. A flick of oak is still evident as integration proceeds and notes of apricot kernels emerge on the palate. There is real energy and excellent length here. Love it. Drink for six years, longer if need be.