Byrne Farm Chardonnay 2024

Byrne Farm Chardonnay is the fifth release of a certified organic Chardonnay from a single Nashdale block.

The fruit source has not shifted since the first vintage: three plots of almost thirty-year-old vines in the Balmoral block, perched at 880 metres on the northeast face of Mount Canobolas in volcanic chocolate ferrosol. Jeff Byrne's contact book for Orange fruit is long, but this one he keeps. After three cool years, 2024 warmed — a mild spring with useful showers, full healthy canopies, and a dozen or so days above thirty degrees — which brought picking forward to late February at full phenological ripeness, no small feat at this altitude. Bunches were pressed to 500-litre puncheons, then nine months on lees with monthly stirring and no malolactic conversion.

Plenty of flavour here, hung on the mineral acidity that marks the region out: white peach and nectarine across a broad but taut palate. Twelve degrees. Serve with roast pork loin, chicken poached in stock, or a cauliflower gratin.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.