2024 Garden of Earthly Delights 'Beechworth' Chardonnay, Vic

A beautifully poised Beechworth Chardonnay that balances precision with quiet generosity. The first iteration of Beechworth form Pip and Adam Foster. Aromatically, it opens with white nectarine, preserved lemon and grapefruit pith, layered with subtle cashew, nougat and a gentle toast from well-judged oak. The palate is finely textured and saline, with a mineral drive that carries through a long, composed finish. Wild fermentation and maturation in puncheon lend both complexity and restraint, allowing fruit purity to remain front and centre. The winemaking is thoughtful and detail-driven. Fruit is gently pressed to stainless steel for cold settling before being transferred to a mix of new Stockinger and seasoned Gillet puncheons for fermentation and full malolactic conversion. The wine spends 12 months in barrel, followed by a further 7 months in stainless steel prior to bottling, building both texture and composure while preserving freshness and precision. There’s an effortless tension here—fresh, detailed and quietly powerful—making it immediately appealing, yet structured enough to evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years.