2024 Elanto Vineyard Chardonnay

The 2024 Elanto Vineyard Chardonnay is one of the most exciting new Australian Chardonnays to emerge from the Mornington Peninsula. Crafted by renowned winemaker Sandro Mosele, Elanto has quickly become one of Australia's most talked-about vineyard projects, earning Halliday Wine Companion's Best New Winery 2026 shortly after its inaugural releases. The vineyard at Balnarring was planted in 2018 at an extraordinary density of 11,111 vines per hectare—around four times the regional norm—following a Burgundian-inspired philosophy focused on low yields, concentration and terroir expression.

The 2024 Chardonnay is sourced from three vineyard blocks—Verge, Buckshot and Seawinds—each harvested and vinified separately. Whole-bunch pressed directly to French oak barriques, the wine underwent wild fermentation with a significantly higher proportion of malolactic fermentation than the inaugural 2023 release, contributing greater texture and complexity. After ten months in barrel, the wine spent time in concrete and stainless steel before bottling, preserving both richness and freshness.

The nose is intensely complex and Burgundian in character, revealing citrus blossom, grapefruit pith, lemon zest and white peach layered with honeycomb, nougat, grilled nuts, gunflint and subtle oak spice. Critics have consistently praised the wine's combination of power and detail, with Huon Hooke awarding 97 points and describing it as a "very impressive Burgundy-style chardonnay."

On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with exceptional concentration and texture. Yellow peach, nectarine, citrus, honeycomb and lemon blossom flavours are framed by creamy lees complexity, vibrant acidity and a pronounced saline mineral edge. Despite its richness, the wine remains remarkably precise and energetic, finishing long with impressive persistence and refinement. Jane Faulkner awarded the wine 96 points, praising its "uplifting acidity" and describing it as "moreish and compelling."

The 2024 release has attracted widespread acclaim, with multiple critics awarding scores of 96–97 points. Campbell Mattinson described it as "seriously good," highlighting its intensity, texture and length, while Erin Larkin noted its sophistication and long-term ageing potential.

Ben’s Recommendation:

At Wine More Cellars, this is one of the most exciting Australian Chardonnays currently available and a wine that is rapidly becoming a benchmark for modern Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay. Compared to many regional examples, Elanto offers greater concentration, structure and mineral complexity thanks to its ultra-high-density vineyard design. Compared to top white Burgundy, it delivers remarkable precision and restraint while retaining the purity and energy of cool-climate Australian fruit. The 2024 vintage is a significant step forward from the already impressive inaugural release, combining power, texture and finesse in equal measure. This is a serious collector’s Chardonnay with genuine pedigree and outstanding ageing potential. Drink from 2026 onwards or cellar comfortably for 10–15+ years. Perfect with lobster, scallops, turbot, roast chicken or refined modern Australian cuisine.