2025 Garagiste Merricks Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

There is a quiet confidence to Garagiste, a project led by Barney Flanders that has become one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most compelling small producers. Working with carefully selected vineyard sites across the Peninsula, the focus is firmly on expressing place, and the Merricks vineyard delivers something particularly special. This pocket of the Peninsula is known for its slightly warmer, sheltered conditions, but still shaped by cooling maritime breezes that stretch the growing season and build detail into the fruit.

White peach and nectarine sit at the core, layered with citrus peel, struck flint and a gentle almond meal character that hints at thoughtful winemaking. There is a fine line here between texture and precision, with subtle oak and lees work adding depth without ever tipping into heaviness. The palate carries a natural flow, a quiet creaminess balanced by a line of acidity that keeps everything fresh and focused, finishing with a savoury, mineral edge that feels distinctly coastal.

It is already a beautiful drink, but there is enough structure and restraint to see it evolve over six to ten years, gaining complexity while holding its shape. A Chardonnay that rewards both patience and curiosity.

Grilled King George whiting with lemon and capers would be spot on, as would roast chicken with tarragon and jus, or a simple plate of scallops with browned butter and herbs. It suits food that lets the wine’s detail and texture shine rather than overpower it.