Fighting Gully Road Chardonnay 2024

As expected brilliant Chardonnay from a brilliant maker from a brilliant site.

"Twelve months in 300L French Tronçais barrels followed by three months on lees in tank before bottling. Chardonnay, the undoubted strength of Beechworth, was one of the first fruits picked in the '24 vintage at FGR, retaining sensational, energised acidity while keeping a pretty tight flavour profile. Spring blossom aromatics mingle with tangy citrus and white peach, grilled nuts and almond nougat with a peach custard-like texture. Clean as a whistle and bright; it moves in a linear line of brisk acidity, going long and dispensing some tart grapefruit pithiness on the finish. It's early days for this little beauty." 95pts | Jeni Port | Halliday Wine Companion

"Light bright yellow; exuberant creamy hazelnutty aromas, subtle smokiness and toasted cashewnut. The palate opens with bright lemony acidity and flows taut and refined into a medium-long and focused carriage. A classy chardonnay which is enlivened by its cool-climate acidity." 94pts | Huon Hooke | The Real Review

No insecticides are used and fungicide selection is careful made to protect predatory mites and other beneficial insects. Soil structure is maintained through minimal application of herbicide; soil cultivation is not practiced. The inter-row is sown to a permanent sward of grasses and legumes, which are seasonally slashed and thrown onto the ground immediately under the vine, to preserve moisture and increase organic matter. Vine prunings are mulched back into the ground to degrade naturally.