2024 Shadowfax Chardonnay, Macedon Ranges

Shadowfax Chardonnay from the Macedon Ranges is a vibrant, cool-climate white that captures the lifted aromatics, crisp acidity and textural depth this high-altitude region is known for. Grown in some of the highest vineyards in Victoria, often above 500 metres the fruit enjoys long, slow ripening under cold nights and sunny days, resulting in wines with great natural tension and purity.

The fruit is hand picked from Shadowfax’s Little Hampton and other estate-grown sites, then whole-bunch pressed straight to French oak barriques (a portion new) where it undergoes wild fermentation and full malolactic conversion. The wine is aged on lees for around 9 to 10 months with occasional stirring, building complexity while preserving drive and freshness.

The nose is precise and inviting, with notes of white peach, lemon pith, crushed cashew, struck flint and subtle brioche. On the palate, it’s tightly wound and energetic, with a core of citrus and nectarine wrapped in chalky acidity and savoury lees texture. A mineral, saline edge gives the wine length and finesse, finishing with a touch of almond meal and wet stone.

Food pairing: brilliant with grilled whiting, oysters, roast chicken, soft cheese and leek tart, or creamy polenta with mushrooms. Also excellent with gnocchi in burnt butter and sage or miso-glazed eggplant.

Cellar potential: drinking beautifully now, though it will gain additional complexity over the next 5 to 8 years, developing notes of hazelnut and honeyed toast.