The 2022 Bannockburn Chardonnay is a benchmark Australian Chardonnay that showcases the remarkable quality and individuality of the Bannockburn vineyard in Geelong. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s most influential Chardonnay producers, Bannockburn has built a reputation for crafting wines that combine power, texture and mineral precision with a distinctly site-driven character. The 2022 vintage delivers exceptional concentration and complexity while maintaining the freshness and tension that have become hallmarks of this iconic wine.
The nose is intensely expressive and beautifully layered, revealing aromas of white peach, nectarine and grapefruit alongside lemon curd, citrus blossom and subtle floral notes. As the wine opens, notes of struck flint, oatmeal and roasted hazelnut emerge, complemented by hints of almond meal, brioche and crushed stone. The aromatic profile is both powerful and refined, balancing ripe fruit intensity with remarkable mineral complexity.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with exceptional texture, concentration and energy. Layers of white stone fruits, grapefruit and citrus unfold across the palate, supported by finely integrated oak, lees-derived creaminess and a pronounced mineral backbone. The wine possesses impressive depth and richness, yet vibrant acidity and saline tension provide freshness and precision throughout. The texture is seamless and sophisticated, leading to a long, focused and persistent finish marked by notes of citrus peel, hazelnut, oyster shell and crushed limestone. The style is powerful yet restrained, offering a uniquely Australian interpretation of world-class Chardonnay.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an outstanding choice for customers seeking one of Australia’s benchmark Chardonnays. Compared to richer and more overtly oak-driven styles, Bannockburn Chardonnay offers greater mineral complexity, savoury detail and vineyard expression while still delivering impressive concentration and texture. It consistently appeals to lovers of fine Burgundy, premium Australian Chardonnay and serious white wine collectors. The 2022 vintage combines immediate appeal with excellent ageing potential, making it equally enjoyable now or after further cellaring. Drink now with decanting or cellar comfortably over the next 10–15 years. Perfect with lobster, scallops, roast chicken, grilled prawns, creamy seafood pasta, pork loin or truffle-infused poultry dishes.
