2024 Fighting Gully Road Chardonnay

Concentrated yet refined with fresh acidity counterpointing a cream tinged mouth feel.

Produced predominantly from Smith’s vineyard which was planted back in 1978, the vines are tended by leading viticulturalist Mark Walpole who was responsible for introducing a number of emerging Italian varietals to Brown Brothers North East Victorian vineyards during the 1990’s. Together with winemaker Adrian Rodda, one of Beechworth’s emerging stars, they make a formidable team.
Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Fleshy white peach, ripe nectarine, dried honey and biscuity nougat scents permeate the nostrils trailed by some cashew, crème brulee and subtle gun flint notes. Concentrated yet refined, the palate features white peach, pear, nectarine and dried honey flavours over biscuity nougat, faint crème brulee, delicate cashew and infusions of gun flint. Fresh acidity counterpoints a cream tinged mouth feel. Finishes long and finessed.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews….
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. Drink by 2031.
95 points
Jeni Port - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

Here’s a Chardonnay with plenty of flavour, though it also keeps itself tight and tidy. Peach, pink grapefruit, cedar, spice, a vanilla creaminess and honey florals, aniseed, with a minor amount of struck match. There’s a juiciness to the wine, balanced acidity, a light chalky texture, an oatmeal savoury element, with a flavoursome finish of excellent length. Such a lovely wine to drink. Drink 2026-2032+
94+ Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front