Overview
The 2024 Dexter Black Label Chardonnay is a concentrated single vineyard Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay from old vine Dijon and P58 clones. Held back in bottle before release, it is a more driven and structured expression of the Dexter vineyard, showing citrus depth, spice, fine oak texture and cool-climate precision.
Vintage & Winemaking
The 2024 growing season began with mild spring temperatures, followed by heavy rainfall from December to February. While disease pressure was high across the region, Dexter's lower-elevation, northern Mornington Peninsula site retained clean, disease-free fruit. Cool late-summer temperatures allowed ideal ripening, with high natural acidity and strong concentration.
Old vine Dijon and P58 clone Chardonnay were picked separately at optimal ripeness. The fruit was chilled overnight, gently whole-bunch pressed, oxidatively handled and transferred into separate tanks before settling overnight. The juice was then blended and transferred to two 500L French oak puncheons, both second fill, to ferment with solids. During maturation, the barrels were stirred occasionally to build palate weight. Around 50% of the wine completed natural malolactic fermentation. It was left on yeast lees until December, bottled in December 2024 and then held in bottle for a further 10 months before release.
Product Highlights
- Black Label Chardonnay from Dexter's Mornington Peninsula vineyard.
- 94 points from Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion.
- Old vine Dijon and P58 Chardonnay clones.
- Whole-bunch pressed and fermented in 500L French oak puncheons.
- Drinking window from 2026 to 2034.
Critic Scores & Reviews
94 Points - Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
"Almost delicate at first... the palate also reticent, with lemon, white peach and spicy oak..." Published 10 February 2026.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Preserved lemon, white flowers and allspice, with a layer of candle wax.
Palate
Deep layers of lemon rind, lemon curd and cinnamon spice, supported by refreshing acidity. The palate is tightly coiled yet generous, with richness, texture and hints of white tannin.
Finish
Long, precise and refreshing, showing the depth of 40-year-old vines in a mild vintage.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with mushrooms, roast chicken, creamy seafood dishes, grilled white fish, lemon butter sauces and richer vegetable dishes.
Cellaring Potential
Drink from 2026 to 2034.
About Dexter Wines
Dexter Wines is based at Tuerong on the Mornington Peninsula, where Tod and Debbie Dexter planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 1987. Tod Dexter's experience includes seven years at Cakebread Cellars in Napa Valley and a decade as head winemaker at Stonier Wines. The Dexter vineyard is planted on a north-facing slope, shaped by natural drainage, cooling sea breezes and careful site management.
Specifications
- Producer: Dexter Wines
- Vintage: 2024
- Country: Australia
- Region: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
- Grape Variety: Chardonnay
- Clones: Dijon 70%, P58 30%
- Wine Style: White Wine - Buttery and Complex
- Oak Maturation: 2 x 500L French oak puncheons, 100% second fill
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- pH: 3.36
- Total Acidity: 6.5g/L
- Bottle Size: 750ml
