Tahbilk Estate Chardonnay 2024 Nagambie

Vintage Conditions

The 2024 vintage at Tahbilk Estate saw an early and successful harvest with yields down but quality very good to exceptional across the board. High disease pressure, partly a carry-over from the previous season and compounded by intermittent rain and weather events, presented challenges throughout the growing season. Whilst there wasn't the extreme heat seen in previous years—no days above 40 degrees—the season nonetheless resulted in the whites and reds ripening simultaneously, bringing the organised chaos of vintage upon the estate. The first pick commenced on 12th February, with the last on 21st March, making for a speedy six-week harvest period. Yields were overall slightly below average, but quality is looking good, with what General Manager and Winemaker Jo Nash considers a very good year for the whites overall, with selected parcels of reds outstanding. The moderate temperatures and consistent ripening conditions resulted in fruit of exceptional quality, with the Chardonnay displaying the trademark melon, white peach, and citrus fruits that define the Tahbilk style.

Winemaking Notes

Tahbilk Estate Chardonnay is the only white wine from the estate to spend extended time in oak prior to bottling, a tradition established since the first commercial vintage was released in 1988. The fruit comes from vines planted extensively in 1979, with scattered vines identified as Chardonnay in a historic 'fruit salad' vineyard block dating back to 1927. The winemaking approach focuses on developing the wine's characteristic melon, white peach, and citrus fruit profile whilst allowing oak maturation to impart spice and butterscotch notes that add complexity and depth. This extended time in oak creates the enticing nougat nuttiness and mocha cream character that complements the robust stone fruit, whilst preserving the lively and typically Tahbilk acidity that drives the finish. The result is a wine set to high drinkability upon release, with immediate generosity of flavour and texture, making this the last of the estate whites from the 2024 vintage a most attractive and decidedly refreshing release that can be enjoyed now through to 2027/2029.