2024 Pepper Tree Venator Chardonnay, Hunter Valley

Pepper Tree Venator Chardonnay from Hunter Valley is a refined and complex expression of premium Australian Chardonnay, crafted by winemaker Gwyneth Olsen. Known for her meticulous approach to winemaking and ability to highlight regional characteristics, Olsen ensures that the Venator range represents the pinnacle of Pepper Tree’s vineyards. Sourced from select sites in the Hunter Valley, this Chardonnay is made in a rich, textural style while maintaining the freshness and elegance that define the region’s best examples.

Golden straw in color, the wine opens with enticing aromas of ripe nectarine, citrus blossom, and white peach, layered with hints of toasted almond, vanilla bean, and flinty minerality. On the palate, it is beautifully structured, delivering flavors of lemon curd, baked apple, and roasted hazelnut, balanced by a fine line of acidity and subtle oak integration. The finish is long and persistent, leaving traces of crème brûlée, brioche, and a touch of saline complexity.

This Chardonnay pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled lobster, and creamy pasta dishes. Its depth and structure also make it an excellent match for soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or triple-cream Camembert. While drinking beautifully now, it has the potential to evolve over the next 5–8 years, gaining further richness and complexity.

Under the expertise of Gwyneth Olsen, Pepper Tree Venator Chardonnay stands as a benchmark for modern Hunter Valley Chardonnay, offering a seamless balance of power, finesse, and age-worthy potential.