2024 Bannockburn 1314 a.d. Chardonnay, Geelong

A a lot of Chardonnay flavour, Bannockburn site character and value for the money. The aromas open strongly with citrus, fresh pastry, grilled peach and some wild honey. In the mouth the wine is fleshy and round but balanced. The flavours are prominently in the stone fruit spectrum, some creme brulee and hints of smoky wood character. The finish is tight with zippy acidity and a lick of salinity to draw out the length.Named for the year of the Battle of Bannockburn, this wine is made with bistro lunch in mind; stylistically fresh, vibrant and made for immediate drinking enjoyment.

Classic Bannockburn aromatics, slightly less defined by power than the precision of the Bernard clones in this case. A full palate, balanced acids and a hint of oak spice. Freshens in the glass, and versatile with regard to food pairings.

The Bannockburn 1314 A.D. Chardonnay is a tribute to Geelong's rich winemaking heritage and the Bannockburn Estate’s enduring legacy. Established in 1974 by Stuart Hooper, Bannockburn has been a pioneer of Geelong's modern wine industry. The name “1314 A.D.” is a nod to the Battle of Bannockburn, a historic Scottish victory symbolizing strength and resilience—qualities that resonate deeply with the estate’s ethos.

Bannockburn’s vineyards are located on volcanic soils, a key factor in the Chardonnay’s complexity and minerality. The estate practices sustainable viticulture, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Bannockburn’s winemaker, Matt Holmes, joined the team in 2015, bringing a wealth of experience from his work in New Zealand and Burgundy. Holmes’s philosophy focuses on minimal intervention, allowing the vineyards to express their unique character. For the 1314 A.D. Chardonnay, this approach results in a wine that captures the essence of the Geelong terroir.

The winemaking process begins with meticulous hand-harvesting to preserve the quality of the fruit. Whole-bunch pressing extracts pristine juice, which is then fermented with wild yeasts, a hallmark of Bannockburn’s style. Aging occurs in a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel, with extended time on lees to enhance the wine’s texture and complexity.

The result is a Chardonnay that combines the freshness of citrus and white peach with subtle layers of flint and almond. Its vibrant acidity and refined structure make it both approachable and age-worthy, a reflection of Bannockburn’s commitment to excellence.