Xavier Goodridge Avon Chardonnay 2024
$72.00Complex, layered and textural Chardonnay
95 pts — Mike Bennie
“A charismatic wine… complex, layered and intense.”
The Avon Chardonnay comes from a single hectare of old vines planted in 1987 at the Avon Vineyard, located in Maffra, Gippsland.
Naturally lower yielding, these vines produce small, intensely flavoured bunches that capture the purity and character of the site. With the help of ideal ripening conditions, the fruit came in beautifully balanced, carrying a fine line of minerality drawn from the quartz-rich soils of the vineyard.
The fruit was hand-picked into 15kg baskets and hand-sorted directly into the press. Whole bunches were gently pressed, with the juice briefly settled in tank before being transferred to barrel for fermentation. The wine remained on full lees for 10 months, with barrels stirred once or twice prior to the completion of malolactic fermentation.
It matured in French oak, 30% of which was new, and was racked in January before bottling in February 2025.
Built on firm yellow apple, quince and peach, with notes of lightly toasted cashews, crushed oats texture and a light dusting of cinnamon in the spice department. This wine delivers the goods.
All of its components are steeped in a sleek and slightly bitter acidity. It’s a pleasantly ripe, medium-bodied, gently textural Chardonnay with elegant acid line, green almond bite and riverstone minerality in the finish.
Delightful drop.
95 pts — Mike Bennie
94 pts — Tom Kline
92 pts — Ken Gargett
91 pts — Regan Drew
View full expert reviews (PDF)
Variety — Chardonnay
Region — Gippsland, Victoria
Alcohol — 13.5%
pH — 3.33
Acidity — 6.4 g/L
Pressing — whole bunch pressed
Maturation — 10 months in French oak (30% new)
Production — 220 Dozen
- $20 shipping to SA, VIC, ACT, NSW & QLD
- $40 shipping to WA & NT
- Free shipping on orders over $200 to SA, VIC, ACT, NSW & QLD