2024 Willem Kurt Chardonnay, Beechworth

Hand-picked, wild yeast fermentation, whole-bunch pressed, maturation in oak (25% new), 50% mlf. Willem Kurt Wines is one of Beechworth's quiet stars on the rise, and deserves better recognition for its pristine beauty of a chardonnay. Green nectarine, lemon-lime citrus, white peach, almond and flint aromas are heady, summer breezy and inviting. Beautifully composed, smoothly textured, driving long and bright on tangy acidity. Offers a lovely, seamless journey into Beechworth chardonnay. Delightful. Drink to 2034.

95 points & Special Value Jeni Port for Halliday Wine Companion, November 2025

Nougat, smoky bacon fat and clotted cream sit around a lovely cut of citrus and stone-fruit drive – white peach, Meyer lemon, white-nectarine flesh and cooked apple. There’s an engaging dichotomy of freshness and power, which carries nicely to the palate: nougat, fine cedar, subtle smoke and ginger are quickly chased down by notes mirroring the nose in white peach, nectarine and baked apple, with that clotted-cream note adding leesy appeal. The finish features a tight lemony tang and a good dose of citrus-preserve bitterness, with acidity surging to draw out the length. There’s an excellent mix of lees and oak-derived savouriness here, counterbalanced by assertive, precise fruit drive. Controlled power. A strong release.

93 points Tom Kline for Wine Pilot, November 2025

Willem Kurt was established by Daniel Balzer and Marije van Epenhuijsen in 2017. Named after their two sons’ middle names, their small 2.8-hectare family vineyard is located in Beechworth at an elevation of 600 metres. The southwest facing undulating site is planted to Chardonnay, Shiraz, Vermentino, Sangiovese and Pinot Noir in loamy clay soils rich in quartz. Daniel’s work in the off-grid winery takes a less is more approach in crafting uniquely styled cool-climate wines.