Garagiste Tuerong Chardonnay 2024

Garagiste Tuerong Chardonnay is a Chardonnay from the oldest vineyard Barney Flanders works with on the Mornington Peninsula.

Planted in the late 1980s, Tuerong is the senior site in this range, and the chance to work it came up in 2012. It had, Barney Flanders says, "a good feel to it" straight away, and it has since become his aspirational vineyard, improving each year. The Chardonnay is always picked first, which makes it a barometer for the rest of the vintage. Fruit from these vines of 34 years, dry-grown and north-facing in grey-black sand over brown sandy loam, was hand-picked, pressed as bunches, and fermented in second- and third-fill 500-litre puncheons. Nine months on full gross lees followed, no bâtonnage, plus a little natural malolactic conversion.

Enticing struck-match reduction gives way to summer citrus, spring flowers, salt flecks and a doughy leesy character. Fleshy weight, mouthwatering acidity, sinewy phenolics, and length to spare. Serve at 11 degrees with roast chicken, scallops or a good aged cheddar.

*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.