2025 Clonakilla Chardonnay 750ml

Overview

Clonakilla Chardonnay 2025 is a cool-climate Chardonnay sourced from the Johansen family vineyards in Tumbarumba. High altitude, warm days and cool nights contribute delicacy, precision and subtle power, while barrel fermentation and extended maturation in French oak bring depth and structure. The result is a finely composed Chardonnay with floral and citrus characters, mineral acidity and impressive length.

Vineyard

The fruit comes from the Johansen family vineyards in Tumbarumba, situated in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains at a higher altitude and more southerly latitude than Clonakilla's home vineyard at Murrumbateman. The continental influence of warm days and cool nights supports fruit with delicacy, precision and freshness.

Winemaking

The fruit was whole bunch pressed into French oak puncheons and barriques for fermentation. The wine was matured for 11 months on lees without stirring, followed by a further three months in tank for integration.

Producer Tasting Notes

Tim Kirk, Clonakilla: “Floral notes and a touch of citrus, think grapefruit and meyer lemon, framed by fresh mineral acids, make for a deliciously fine drinking experience in a great vintage like 2025.”

Critic Reviews

Ken Gargett, Winepilot: “Deep yellow straw, this is a finely crafted style. The nose reveals aromas of peaches, jasmine, dry herbs and beautifully handled oak. A wine of elegance, refinement and finesse, there is good intensity, which is maintained throughout, and impressive length. A superb Chardonnay from a cooler climate, this can be enjoyed anytime over the next eight to ten years.”

Producer

Clonakilla was founded by John Kirk at Murrumbateman in 1971 and has played an important role in establishing the Canberra District as an Australian wine region. For its Chardonnay, Clonakilla looks beyond its Murrumbateman home to the higher-altitude vineyards of Tumbarumba, where the cooler climate provides the precision and finesse sought for the variety.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2025
• Grape Variety: Chardonnay
• Region: Tumbarumba, New South Wales, Australia
• Vineyard: Johansen Family Vineyards
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• TA: 7.0 g/L
• pH: 3.25
• Residual Sugar: 0.7 g/L
• Pressing: Whole bunch pressed
• Fermentation: French oak puncheons and barriques
• Maturation: 11 months on lees in French oak, followed by three months in tank
• Lees: No stirring
• Cellaring Potential: 8–10 years