2025 Garagiste Le Stagiaire Chardonnay

The 2025 Le Stagiaire Chardonnay draws on fruit from Merricks (35%), Balnarring (25%), Merricks North (30%) and Tuerong (10%). Sorted in the vineyard and winery before being pressed as whole bunches to 500-litre puncheons, this wine is wild fermented with no temperature control, followed by seven months on lees to slowly enrich the texture. A couple of barrels went through malolactic, and the nicely integrated new oak component stands at 10%.

A rich, generously flavoured Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay with a beautifully rounded feel.

Brilliant pale straw colour with green tinted edges and a watery hue. Elevated aromas of white peach, nectarine and dried honey are complimented by some cashew, biscuity nougat and spice notes. Mid weighted, the palate features ample richness and a mildly creamy textural feel with fleshy white peach and nectarine fruits to the fore. Cashew, subtle dried honey, biscuity nougat and spice elements sit underneath. Fresh and balanced it finishes long and generous with a beautifully rounded feel.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews….
I always chase Barney Flanders for his wines, which I think he quite likes. This is Merricks (35%), Balnarring (25%), Merricks North (30%) and Tuerong (10%). 500L puncheons, 10% new.
This is juicy and flavoursome. Nectarine, pink grapefruit, a lightly salty and spicy preserved lemon thing. It has a pulpy citrus flavour mixed with stone fruit, a little creamy and nutty, some flinty bits, with a seaside saline and citrus finish of excellent length. It’s such a tasty Chardonnay. Everything is in the right place. Drink 2025-2032.
94 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

Great value, great wine. A lovely balance of citrus and white nectarine with ginger flower and a neat tug of phenolics. The palate is neatly composed, with a flutter of light lees and juicy acidity. Up there as one of my go-to drinks because everything about it is just right. Drink by 2032.
95 points
Jane Faulkner - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion