2024 Bremley Chardonnay, Coal River Valley

This producer was probably my favourite new discovery of last year, and the follow-up releases from this very special vineyard at the far northern end of Tasmania’s Coal River Valley reassure me I may have got that right. James and Vanessa Bresnehan are the kind of grape growers who understand magic is born from hard work. Three patches of the vineyard of differing aspects were selected for this, a wine of fine florals and delicate white peach and mandarin aromatics. A southern star.

96 points Nick Ryan The Weekend Australian November 2025

The fruit was 100% whole-bunch pressed and inoculated with selected yeast. After settling for 24 hours, the juice was racked to François Frères puncheons, 25% of which were new oak, for fermentation. Primary fermentation lasted 25 days, followed by full malolactic fermentation. The wine underwent eight months of élevage in oak without any lees stirring. Gently filtered, then bottled un-fined and vegan friendly. 12.5 % Alc/Vol; 3.29 pH; 7.8 g/L TA.

Bremley Chardonnay comes from the Coal River Valley, one of Tasmania’s most exciting and quietly distinctive wine regions. Tucked between Hobart and the east coast, the valley is defined by cool days, cold nights and long growing seasons that naturally suit Chardonnay. The soils here are a mix of sandstone, dolerite and clay, giving wines tension, minerality and a fine structural line rather than sheer weight.

Bremley is a small, thoughtful Tasmanian producer focused on precision and balance. The approach to Chardonnay is hands on but restrained, with fruit picked for natural acidity and clarity. Fermentation and maturation are handled gently, allowing texture and complexity to build without overshadowing the vineyard character. The result is a wine that feels confident and composed rather than showy.

Aromatically, this Chardonnay leans toward citrus and stone fruit. Think lemon zest, white peach and nectarine, layered with subtle cashew, oatmeal and a faint struck match note. On the palate it is tight and energetic, with bright acidity carrying the fruit, balanced by fine lees derived texture and a clean, saline finish that speaks clearly of its cool climate origins.

This is an excellent food wine. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish, scallops, roast chicken, pork with apple and fennel, or simple pasta dishes where acidity and texture matter more than richness. The freshness also makes it a great match for dishes with butter or cream without feeling heavy.

Bremley Chardonnay is drinking well on release but has the structure to age gracefully for five to eight years, developing more savoury complexity over time. It is a pure, well judged expression of Coal River Valley Chardonnay and a great example of why Tasmania continues to set the benchmark for cool climate Australian whites.