The 2025 Bannockburn Chardonnay Magnum is a collector-worthy release from one of Australia’s most iconic Chardonnay producers. Sourced from estate vineyards planted between 1976 and 2016 across Olive Tree Hill, Winery Block, Stuart Block, Grigsby and Kelly Lane, the wine reflects Bannockburn’s renowned combination of mature vines, limestone-rich soils and cool-climate precision.
The 2025 vintage was the earliest harvest in Bannockburn’s history, producing a wine of remarkable concentration, clarity and freshness. Hand-picked fruit was whole-bunch pressed and wild fermented in French oak (25% new), with 70% malolactic fermentation and 10 months of lees ageing.
The nose shows white peach, nectarine, grapefruit and lemon curd layered with cedar, cashew, oatmeal, nougat and subtle flinty complexity. The palate is both powerful and precise, combining ripe stone fruit and citrus with gentle creaminess, vibrant acidity and a distinctive saline mineral edge. The finish is long, energetic and beautifully composed. Campbell Mattinson awarded the wine 96 points, describing it as a Chardonnay of exceptional flavour intensity, persistence and balance.
The Magnum format offers significant ageing advantages, evolving more slowly and gracefully than standard bottles while preserving freshness and complexity over time. For a wine of Bannockburn’s pedigree, 1500ml is considered an ideal format for both cellaring and special occasions.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, Bannockburn Chardonnay remains one of the benchmarks of Australian Chardonnay and a genuine rival to top white Burgundy. Compared to many Margaret River examples, it is more savoury and mineral-driven; compared to Yarra Valley Chardonnay, it offers greater power and textural depth while retaining superb precision. The 2025 vintage is shaping up as one of the estate’s finest releases, with Bannockburn itself describing the 2025 Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay releases as among the best they have ever produced.
Drink from 2026 onwards or cellar comfortably for 12–15+ years, with the magnum format potentially extending that window even further. Perfect with lobster, scallops, turbot, roast chicken and fine seafood cuisine.
