2025 Meadowbank Chardonnay, Derwent Valley

Gerald Ellis planted the first vines on his sheep grazing property in the upper Derwent Valley in 1976, at a time when the consensus was that southern Tasmania was simply too cold for commercial viticulture. The result is Meadowbank, at 60 hectares one of the state’s most significant vineyards, and with an enviable track record to prove his instincts right. The vineyard sits inland from coastal influence, where warm days and cool nights create the diurnal variation that defines the upper Derwent. Gerald’s daughter Mardi carries his vision forward today, working with winemaker Peter Dredge, whose precise and thoughtful approach has taken the wines to a new level of consistency and acclaim.

The 2025 vintage was warm and dry across Tasmania, and all regions were spared from extreme heat days. After good fruit set during the warm spring, nature provided growers with generous crops, with concentrated flavours and excellent natural acidity across all varieties.

This wine comes from vines approaching 40 years of age. Hand-harvested grapes are pressed as whole bunches straight into primarily seasoned French oak barrels, with only 10% new each vintage. The wine matures on lees for nine months before being bottled without fining agents. The winemaker’s influence here is minimal, the wine a pure expression of the site. Enticing aromas of early season white peach, a rich spectrum of citrus and a light suggestion of flint and almonds. The medium-bodied palate is fine and focused, with a wealth of white stone fruit and citrus. The tight and precise acidity provides the fruit attractive tension from the first impression to the long-lasting finish.

When young, the wine's precision suits food that feels light – think lightly seared, poached, steamed or raw. Kingfish sashimi with yuzu kosho-oil, seared scallops with a light beurre blanc, chawanmushi with pipis. Meadowbank’s Chardonnay has built quite a following, and each vintage has sold out quickly. This one will too.  Drink now through 2035. All Meadowbank wines are vegan friendly.