2021 Bass Phillip Estate Chardonnay 1.5L

The Estate Chardonnay is the heart of the Bass Phillip range – a wine that shows the class of the Leongatha site without pushing too hard. Now made under Jean-Marie Fourrier and Adam Francis, it keeps the focus on balance and clarity rather than richness.

2021 was a cool, even vintage in South Gippsland, giving clean fruit and great natural acidity. The grapes were hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed and wild-fermented in mostly old French oak, then left on lees to build a bit of texture before bottling unfiltered. Nothing overworked, just careful, thoughtful winemaking.

It’s bright and calm in the glass – lemon, white peach, a touch of hazelnut and gentle oak spice. The palate is pure and nicely weighted, with crisp acidity and a smooth, savoury edge. It’s elegant, subtle and quietly confident, the kind of Chardonnay that grows on you with every sip.