The 2023 Montalto Single Vineyard “The Eleven” Chardonnay is a powerful and beautifully detailed Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay sourced from just eleven rows of vines planted in 1985 directly outside the Montalto cellar door. Widely regarded as one of the estate’s flagship wines, “The Eleven” is crafted from old-vine Chardonnay grown on red clay soils and fermented with wild yeast in French oak before extended lees ageing. The cool maritime conditions of the Mornington Peninsula combined with the exceptional 2023 vintage delivered a Chardonnay of remarkable texture, concentration and ageing potential.
The nose reveals white peach, lemon curd and grilled nectarine layered with toasted hazelnut, praline, brioche and subtle flinty minerality. On the palate, it is richly textured yet beautifully controlled with creamy lees complexity, vibrant citrus acidity and a fine saline line that carries the wine with precision and energy. Layers of grapefruit, cashew, buttered popcorn and almond meal unfold with impressive depth and balance, finishing long, savoury and intensely persistent with outstanding finesse. Critics praised the wine’s layered complexity and age-worthy structure, with QWine awarding 95 points and Campbell Mattinson 94 points.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Montalto Single Vineyard “The Eleven” Chardonnay is a superb cool-climate Chardonnay — layered, mineral and beautifully refined with genuine power and sophistication. A fantastic choice for lovers of premium Burgundy-inspired Australian Chardonnay. Perfect with lobster, roast chicken, scallops, creamy seafood dishes or truffle risotto. Enjoy now with a decant or cellar confidently through 2035+.
