2023 Vignerons Schmolzer & Brown Thorley Chardonnay

Beechworth and Chardonnay are synonymous now, thanks to the great vineyards of the region (Giaconda, Sorrenberg, Domenica et al) and here's a new name to enter that class.

Thorley is a pint-sized property planted by husband and wife, Jeremy Schmolzer and Tessa Brown. It's a much higher altitude site than those names previously mention and so produces a finer, more detailed expression of Chardonnay, that's not without the classic Beechworth power.

It's long and fine, beautifully balanced and if the track record of their Brunnen Chardonnay (from the vineyard across the road) is anything to go by, it should cellar beautifully too.