Petaluma Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2024 is one of the great Yellow Label wines from this iconic South Australian producer — a serious, structured Chardonnay that draws its distinctive character from the naturally cool Piccadilly Valley subregion of the Adelaide Hills. Barrel fermented with solids and aged on lees for ten months, the 2024 delivers intense peachy richness and a fine, mineral-edged linearity that marks it as a wine of real substance and medium-term cellaring potential. Awarded 95 Points by Ray Jordan in May 2025.
Tasting Notes
Peachy richness with a lemon honeydew melon lift. The barrel fermentation and extended lees ageing have contributed to an intense, rich, textural feel without compromising the fine linear extension of the palate. A faint hint of flinty minerality completes an excellent wine.
Vineyard & Region
The Piccadilly Valley is the coolest viticultural subregion in South Australia. Tucked in behind Mount Lofty on north and east-facing slopes reaching up to 550 metres in altitude, these sites rest on an underlying geology up to 1,800 million years old. The vines receive full benefit of warming early mornings, encouraging naturally high acidity and delicate Chardonnay flavours that are the foundation of Petaluma's flagship style.
Winemaking
Barrel fermented with solids and aged on lees for 10 months. The extended lees contact builds the wine's textural richness and complexity while preserving the fine acid structure inherent to Piccadilly Valley fruit.
Cellaring & Serving
Drink now or cellar through to 2035. Serve at 10–12°C to allow the wine's full complexity and texture to express itself.
Critic Review
"A famous Australian wine from the Piccadilly Valley. The cool climate fruit was all barrel fermented with solids and then aged on lees for 10 months. It's contributed to the intense, rich textural feel but has not compromised the fine linear extension of the palate. Peachy richness with a lemon honeydew melon lift. Just a faint hint of flinty minerality completes an excellent wine."
95 Points - Ray Jordan, Winepilot, May 2025
Food Pairing
A natural companion for roast chicken, grilled salmon, lobster, creamy pasta dishes, and soft or washed-rind cheeses. The wine's textural richness and fine acidity make it equally rewarding alongside simply prepared seafood or as a thoughtful gift for the Chardonnay lover.
