2023 Brokenwood Indigo Vineyard Chardonnay

WINERY OF THE YEAR! - 2026 Halliday Wine Companion

Beechworth is one of those regions that just nails Chardonnay, and Brokenwood’s Indigo Vineyard is right in the thick of it. Planted back in ’99 at the base of the Victorian Alps, it’s a site with a mix of soils and clones that gives plenty of character to work with.

2023 was a slightly tricky season, cooler and wetter than average, but the later harvest meant the fruit came in with great flavour and natural acidity. The winemaking is pretty classic modern Aussie Chardonnay – whole-bunch pressed, wild ferment, and time in French oak (about a third new) to build a bit of texture without overpowering the fruit.

The result is bright and citrusy with just enough stone fruit depth and a clean acid line keeping it all together. It’s delicious to drink now while it’s fresh and zippy, but will only get better over the next few years. A really smart cool-climate Chardonnay that shows why Beechworth is so highly regarded.

96 points
"The wine is defined by an acid line, which gives focus, freshness and length."
- Toni Paterson (Halliday Wine Companion)