2024 TarraWarra Swallowfield Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

From a 30-plus-year-old vineyard in Gembrook that TarraWarra now leases and has started major renovations on, Sarah Fagan has crafted a superb first-up wine. No mlf and matured in 15% new puncheons. A very bright green gold. You'll find aromas of subtle marine scents, nectarine and pink grapefruit. It's just as good, too, on the chalky-textured, elegant, fine-boned and tension-packed palate. A gorgeous wine that will slowly unfurl over the next five to seven years at least. Drink to 2032.

97+ points Special Value Philip Rich for Halliday Wine Companion, August 2025

The Swallowfield vineyard in Gembrook is one of the southernmost vineyards in Yarra Valley and has for the area unusual soils of decomposed granite. It was first planted in 1990, with further plantings in 2000 increasing the total area planted with Chardonnay clones Bernard 76 and 96 and Pinot Noir clones D5V12, 114, 115 and MV6 to twelve hectares.

The grapes were hand harvested and chilled overnight. The whole bunch pressed juice was settled briefly ahead of maturation in French oak barriques and puncheons, of which 15% were new. The wine was then allowed to rets on lees in the barrels for seven months before the parcels were blended in October following the harvest, and finally bottled in December.

About this producer

TarraWarra was established in 1979 when Marc and Eve Besen purchased their property along the Healesville-Yarra Glen Road. With the first Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines planted in 1983, the current 400-hectare estate encompasses 24 hectares of vines along with cattle, a kitchen garden, a restaurant and the TarraWarra Museum of Art. Sarah Fagan hold the keys to the winery, while Sam Parker’s team works hard to provide her the best fruit possible from the extensive estate vineyards.