Coming Soon - 2024 Stargazer Chardonnay

Founded by winemaker Samantha Connew, Stargazer has become one of Tasmania's most compelling small producers, crafting wines of precision and quiet intensity from the Coal River and Derwent Valleys. Whether Riesling, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, each release reflects a meticulous, hands-off approach and a focus on texture, energy and site expression. For many, Stargazer marks the sweet spot between refinement and individuality in modern Tasmanian wine.

The 2024 Chardonnay is again a blend of their own vineyard, Palisander, planted in 2017 on a south-facing plot, along with select parcels from growers in the Upper Derwent Valley and Richmond. The grapes were hand-picked and pressed directly into 500L French oak barrels (with 20% being new), where they underwent wild fermentation and full malolactic conversion. The wine matured on lees in these barrels for eight months before being transferred, racked, and blended in a tank for an additional six weeks prior to bottling.

Other Reviews....
This flint-struck wine from Samantha Connew pushes all my buttons. It's chalky and fruit-pure with wisps of struck-match that slowly make their way through the ripe stone and citrus fruits. This is followed by a swell of soft spice, crushed stone, meadow flowers and almond paste. It's tautly stretched, dry and savoury, with a long, linear draw across the palate. Finishes focused and true with background tones of grilled hazelnut, crème fraîche and soft spice. Drink 2025-2035.
96 points
Dave Brookes - James Halliday's Wine Companion