Overview
The 2024 Lowestoft Chardonnay is a precise, cool-climate Tasmanian white sourced from the East Coast. Hand-picked fruit, whole-bunch pressing, wild fermentation and seasoned French oak produce a concentrated yet finely balanced Chardonnay with saline freshness, ripe stone fruit and excellent length.
Vintage
Variable spring weather affected flowering and fruit set, resulting in one of the smallest harvests to date. Rigorous canopy management and careful viticulture delivered healthy grapes with excellent concentration and bright natural acidity.
Winemaking
The East Coast Chardonnay was harvested by hand and chilled overnight before being whole-bunch pressed into seasoned 300-litre and 500-litre French oak barrels. Wild fermentation proceeded with the inclusion of some grape solids.
Half of the wine received sulphur immediately after primary fermentation. The remaining half was stirred without added sulphur for three months. The wine matured in oak for nine months before blending and bottling.
Producer Tasting Notes
Colour: Pale yellow with flecks of green.
Aroma: Fresh lime, brine and coriander seed lead the nose with subtle brioche and delicate spring florals.
Palate: Taught and mealy on the palate, supported by poignant ripe nectarine and grapefruit, weaving complexity and acidity, with captivating drive and length.
Critic Reviews
96+ Points β Dave Brooks, Halliday Wine Companion 2027
A grower-driven chardonnay; Coal River Valley with East Coast and Tasmanian Peninsula fruit. Light straw with ripe white peach, nectarine and citrus fruits veiled in soft spice, nougat, clover blossom, meadow flowers, vanillin oak, grapefruit pith, crushed stone and ozone. A stunning saline, briny mineral cadence drives the wine forward. The fruit is gorgeous and the flavours draw out nicely. A great release from a very strong vintage.
Awards
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Gold Medal: The Global Chardonnay Masters 2025
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Silver Medal: Melbourne Royal Wine Show 2025
Specifications
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Vintage: 2024
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Producer: Lowestoft
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Owner: Fogarty Wine Group
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Variety: 100% Chardonnay
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Region: Tasmania
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Country: Australia
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Fruit Source: East Coast Tasmania
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Fermentation: Wild fermentation in seasoned French oak
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Maturation: Nine months in 300-litre and 500-litre seasoned French oak
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Alcohol: 13%
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Total Acidity: 6.70g/L
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pH: 3.25
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Cellaring Potential: 5β7 years
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Suggested Drinking Window: 2026β2032