2025 Bannockburn Grigsby Chardonnay

The 2025 Bannockburn Grigsby Chardonnay is a distinctive single-vineyard expression from Geelong, grown on a small, close-planted certified organic block originally planted in 2007 and grafted to Bernard 76 Chardonnay in 2019. It shows ripe stone fruit, pear and white peach alongside fennel, hay, flint, cashew, cedar and creamy oak. The combination of high-density planting, dark clay, weathered basalt and limestone gives the wine impressive concentration, texture and mineral definition.

On the palate, it is broad, generous and finely textured, with bright acidity balancing layers of ripe stone fruit, pear and apple. Notes of nougat, spiced yoghurt, fennel and subtle cashew add richness, while flint and saline mineral characters provide freshness and tension. French oak and lees maturation contribute a creamy, savoury texture without overwhelming the fruit, giving the wine both weight and precision. The finish is long, dry and persistent, with lingering stone fruit, mineral, spice and gentle oak notes.

Ben’s Recommendation: 
At Wine More Cellars, this is an excellent choice for Chardonnay drinkers who enjoy richer, structured Geelong styles with freshness, texture and serious single-vineyard character. It is already expressive but has the concentration, acidity and grip to develop additional savoury and nutty complexity with bottle age. Best enjoyed over the next 5–8 years. Serve lightly chilled with butter-poached marron, seared scallops with brown butter, roast chicken with morels, grilled turbot with beurre blanc, or mushroom and truffle risotto.