Vigneron's Release Owen's Chardonnay 2024

Named for Sidewood Owner & Vigneron, Owen Inglis, this is a refined and expressive Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, the 2024 Vigneron’s Release Owen’s Chardonnay showcases purity, texture and precision, underpinned by vibrant stone fruit, citrus and subtle oak complexity. Recognised on the global stage with a Trophy for Best South Australian Chardonnay at the International Wine Challenge in London, this wine reflects both exceptional quality and a true sense of place. TASTING NOTES Lifted peach and citrus aromas with a subtle nuttiness, followed by juicy fruit, a generous creamy palate, and layers of hazelnut and mineral elements, all balanced by a crisp, clean finish. This wine is drinking beautifully now, with the structure and acidity to reward medium-term cellaring. ANALYSIS Alcohol 12.5% alc/vol pH 2.99 Acid 8.61 g/l Bottling Date January 2024 Closure Stelvin Oak 10 Months French Oak Barriques Cellaring 5-8 years VITICULTURE & VINIFICATION Crafted from a single vineyard at Mappinga Road, this wine is produced exclusively from the Mendoza clone Chardonnay, with the 2024 marking only the sixth release since 2015. Low-yielding vines (6 t/ha) deliver concentrated fruit, with characteristic “hen and chicken” bunch morphology enhancing complexity. Fruit is hand-picked and individually sorted in the vineyard before whole-bunch pressing to 50% extraction. Wild yeast fermentation occurs in large-format French oak, followed by 10 months’ maturation in approximately 30% new oak. Partial malolactic fermentation adds texture and balance, with only the finest barrels selected for blending into a limited production of 300 dozen. VINTAGE CONDITIONS The 2024 vintage in the Adelaide Hills was defined by balanced growing conditions, allowing for slow, even ripening across the season. Mild temperatures and well-timed rainfall preserved natural acidity while encouraging flavour development and concentration. These conditions were particularly well suited to the Mendoza clone, resulting in fruit with intensity, structural integrity and aromatic precision. AWARDS & REVIEWS A critically acclaimed Chardonnay, consistently awarded and recognised for its precision and purity, reinforcing its position as a premium Adelaide Hills expression and a flagship within the Vigneron’s Release portfolio. Trophy for Best South Australian Chardonnay + Gold Medal + 95 Points International Wine Challenge, London 2026 Gold + 95 Points Cowra Single Vineyard Wine Show 2025 Gold + 95 Points Adelaide Hills Wine Show 2025 Gold Mundis Vini Spring Tasting, Germany 2026 97 Points Halliday's Wine Companion 2025 "A deeply beguiling release of Owen's. It boasts a brilliant and prismatic palate of white peach, nectarine and nutmeg spice. Toasted almond and tarragon. The texture and volume here are dialled up, yet precision and balance are the true cornerstones. Expect a little flinty struck match, plenty of tension, but also generosity of fruit, ripples of lemon curd and currents of salinity, all coursing through with great intent." 95 Points Gary Walsh, Wine Front 95 Points International Cool Climate Wine Show, Melbourne 2025 SERVING & STYLE Serving Best served lightly chilled. Pairs beautifully with seafood, roast chicken, creamy pasta or risotto. Style A refined, cool-climate Chardonnay offering balance, texture and precision, with subtle oak influence and mineral drive. Ideal with seafood, roast poultry and rich, creamy dishes. Drinking beautifully now, with the structure and acidity to reward medium-term cellaring. FAQ's What makes Owen’s Chardonnay different from other Sidewood Chardonnays? Owen’s Chardonnay focuses on purity and precision, showcasing the Mendoza clone from a single vineyard with restrained oak and a more refined, textural style. Is the 2024 Owen’s Chardonnay suitable for cellaring? Yes. With balanced acidity and structure, this wine will continue to evolve over 5–8 years, gaining further complexity and integration. Is this Chardonnay oaked? Yes. It is matured in French oak for 10 months (approximately 30% new), contributing subtle texture and complexity while allowing the fruit and minerality to remain the focus. What does this Chardonnay taste like? It features vibrant stone fruit and citrus flavours with mineral drive, complemented by subtle oak, flinty complexity and a long, elegant finish. What food pairs best with Owen’s Chardonnay? It pairs beautifully with seafood, roast poultry and creamy dishes, where its balance of freshness and texture enhances the richness of the food. View & download full tasting notes