"90 POINTS. The vines have an average age of 30 years, which goes some way in explaining the power of the fruit, barrel-fermented in new and pre-used French oak and matured for 11 months; it's a strange thing, but the climate doesn't seem to give chardonnay the brightness for top points." - James Halliday.

Hand picked from 30 year old vines in cool conditions, retaining freshness and and natural acidity, this chardonnay fruit arrived at the winery in perfect condition. Free run juice was put to 30% new and 70% seasoned French oak for fermentation and ageing for 11 months. Fortnightly battonage of lees was undertaken to accentuate mouth feel and complexity of the wine upon completion.

This wine shows a nose of ripe peach, pear and citrus with toasty oak. It is medium bodied with wonderful complexity and concentration mid palate leading to a fine acid finish.

Balgownie Estate's Bendigo vineyard was originally planted by local pharmacist Stuart Anderson in 1969. The initial plantings consisted of five acres each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz and these varieties are still the mainstay of the vineyard today.

The vineyard is planted on alluvial clay soils that are low in fertility but provide good moisture retention. These soils naturally limit yields and produce grapes with depth and intensity. The Bendigo Climate is characterised by its continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The warm days and cool nights during the ripening period are ideal for producing intense and age-worthy red wines.