Xavier Avon Chardonnay 2024

A truly special Chardonnay that showcases the beauty of its roots. Coming from a single hectare of old vines planted in 1987 at the Avon Vineyard in Maffra, Gippsland, this wine is a reflection of the land it grows on. The naturally lower-yielding vines produce small, intensely flavoured bunches, bursting with concentration and character. Thanks to the vineyard’s quartz-rich soils, the fruit carries a distinct minerality, a fine thread that runs through the wine. The hand-harvested grapes are sorted with precision, gently pressed whole, and allowed to settle before being transferred to barrel for fermentation. On full lees for 10 months, with gentle stirring and completion of malolactic fermentation, this Chardonnay develops a rich texture and complexity. Matured in French oak—30% of it new—it’s a wine that balances freshness with depth, and minerality with a delicate oak influence. Bottled in 2025, it’s a wine that encapsulates the purity of the site and the elegance of an exceptional vintage.