2024 Elderton Estate Family Chardonnay, Eden Valley

Elderton Wines was established in 1982 by Neil and Lorraine Ashmead on a historic Nuriootpa estate with vineyard origins dating to 1894. The second generation has now taken the lead, with brothers Cameron and Allister and their wives Jules and Rebecca looking after all aspects of the winery. The family vineyards span the Barossa Valley floor and the cooler, higher elevations of the Eden Valley, giving the range a breadth of style that few Barossa producers can match.

The Chardonnay is grown at the Craneford vineyard in the Eden Valley, sitting at over 420 metres elevation on skeletal, minerally soils. A small parcel from a neighbouring block at similar altitude completes the blend. The cooler temperatures and higher rainfall of this part of the Barossa allow the fruit to ripen slowly and build natural acidity. A portion of the Craneford fruit was wild fermented in oak barrels, while the remainder started in stainless steel. The two parts completed malolactic fermentation in barrels and were allowed extended lees contact with regular stirring.

The 2024 is vibrant and focused: lemon citrus, grapefruit and white peach on the nose, with cashew, almond meal and a flinty mineral thread. The palate is bright and driven, with a creamy lees texture balanced by lively acidity and a clean, lingering finish.

This is an Eden Valley Chardonnay of real freshness and precision. Pour alongside a simply prepared barramundi with lemon butter.

Drink now through 2028.