With the faintest whiff of biscuity oak this bright, tangy Barossa Chardonnay is an absolute delight. It has that classical Barossa charm, elegance, poise, tang and naggingly more-ish elusive something-or-other which makes one wonder why there isn't more Australian Chardonnay.

We are very proud to be associated with Smalltown Vineyards (formerly known as Magpie Estate) of the Barossa Valley - for our first proper foray into the Barossa we could not have been associated with a more compelling producer.

Smalltown Vineyards is based on 42 hectares of prime sandy loam in the Barossa Valley’s premium Ebenezer District, specifically the highly sought-after Kalimna blocks producing world class reds. Working with other vineyard sites in the Barossa and Eden Valleys to express this uniquely magical corner of the world. Winemakers Rolf Binder and Christa Deans craft superb expressions of the region in their small, hands-on winery in Tanunda. We have a lot of fun with labels because, well because we can. It’s only wine after all…

Grapes are hand harvested from an old block on the Binder family Barossa vineyards.

Small batches of Chardonnay are picked and pressed through a tank press with some skin contact. 25% is fermented in French puncheons and American hogsheads for 6 months, aged on lees then blended with the 75% unoaked juice, settled and bottled. Into the main Barossa blend a small component of Eden Valley Chardonnay is blended and the whole sees a tiny bit of secondary use oak for some fine structure.

Anything with chicken, pork, prawns, seafood ... Brilliant as a quaffer or perfect with a lovingly cooked meal.