2024 Bannockburn Chardonnay, Geelong

Bannockburn Chardonnay from Geelong is a benchmark cool climate white wine that beautifully captures the tension, texture, and minerality that have made this estate one of Australia’s most revered producers. Grown in the volcanic soils of Victoria’s Moorabool Valley, this Chardonnay reflects the site's natural energy and the minimalist winemaking approach of Matt Holmes, who has continued Bannockburn’s legacy with quiet precision and restraint.

Founded in 1974 by Stuart Hooper, Bannockburn Vineyards was among the first to explore Geelong’s potential for fine wine, long before the region was on the national radar. Hooper’s vision was clear: to produce complex, terroir-driven wines with a distinctly European sensibility. Today, Bannockburn remains family owned and focused entirely on estate-grown fruit, farmed organically and guided by an ethos of purity and authenticity.

The Chardonnay comes from several vineyard parcels, including the iconic Olive Tree Hill and Winery Block sites. Soils here are a mix of volcanic basalt and clay over limestone—conditions that naturally limit yields and give the fruit its signature concentration and mineral core. The grapes are handpicked, whole bunch pressed, and wild fermented in French oak barrels, around 20 to 30 percent new. The wine sees full malolactic fermentation and extended time on lees, building a creamy, savoury texture without losing its line of bright acidity.

In the glass, Bannockburn Chardonnay shows layers of white peach, lemon curd, struck flint, almond meal, and sea spray. The palate is finely textured and elegant, with citrus and stone fruit purity, subtle oak spice, and a long, saline finish. It’s both detailed and understated—a wine of quiet power and finesse that evolves beautifully with time in the glass or cellar.

Perfect with grilled prawns, roast chicken, or creamy pasta with herbs, Bannockburn Chardonnay offers world class quality at a fraction of the price of its international counterparts. It’s a cult wine for good reason—balanced, expressive, and unmistakably Geelong.