Coming Soon - 2024 Wantirna Estate Isabella Chardonnay

2025 marks 62 years since the first vines were planted at Wantirna Estate, established in 1963 on an east-facing slope in Melbourne's southeastern outskirts. Once a mix of orchards, bush, and grasslands, the vineyard thrives today under the care of Maryann, Reg's daughter, though Reg remains actively involved. The wines, named after his four grandchildren, feature labels illustrated by Michael Leunig, reflecting each grandchild's personality, a heartfelt touch to this family-run estate.

Chardonnay vines, over 40 years old, grow on an east-facing slope that captures gentle morning and afternoon sunlight, ideal for producing high-quality fruit. Hand-harvested early in the day, the fruit is pressed, chilled, and fermented in French oak barrels (new, one, and two years old) in a cool underground cellar. The wine matures on yeast lees with regular stirring to enhance texture and is bottled after 11 months.

Other Reviews....
This is always a complex and beautifully crafted wine. On the nose you'll find aromas of white peach, just-ripened apricot, crushed stone and a little praline. On the palate, I really like the interplay between the wine's flavour and texture and the fine thread of acidity, giving the wine both structure and length. It's good now but will be even better in four to six years, if not longer from now. Lovely wine. As good, if not better than, the '23. Just 85 dozen bottles made. Drink 2026-2032.
97 points
Philip Rich - James Halliday's Wine Companion

50-60 year old vines. 85 dozen made (1020 bottles) which is a better crop than the miserly 2023 vintage at 64 dozen (772 bottles).
It’s a richer expression in 2024 offering plenty of Chardonnay flavour, though it’s still bright and focussed. I’m thinking white nectarine and yellow peach, grapefruit, a little lemon zest and aniseed, almond meal, with spicy cedar oak in support. It has some gloss combined with intense acidity, a light chalkiness, feels concentrated and pulls a little toasty and savoury on a finish of excellent length, and a bit of lemon zest. Give it a year to settle I’d say. Very nice. Drink 2026-2033+.
94+ points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

The 2024 Isabella Chardonnay leads with crushed nuts and white flowers, lemon zest and brine. In the mouth, the wine is rich and full, nutty and wide, ripe and concentrated. I confess to preferring the Cabernets to the Chardonnay at this tremendous little estate; that being said, the distinctive style and identity of this wine is to be both noted and respected. It's a wonderful wine—honest and not interfered with. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2025-2034.
94 points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate