Irrewarra Chardonnay 2024

Irrewarra, a boutique label owned by the Farr family—renowned producers behind the acclaimed By Farr winery—captures the distinctive cool-climate charm of western Victoria’s Otway hinterland. Founded by Nick Farr, Irrewarra is celebrated for wines of precision, purity, and elegance, reflecting meticulous viticulture, minimal intervention winemaking, and a profound respect for terroir. Their Chardonnay from the fresh and vibrant 2024 vintage exemplifies the sophistication and subtle complexity characteristic of cool-climate Chardonnay, underlining Irrewarra’s exceptional sense of place.

Irrewarra's vineyards, planted on gently sloping sites featuring rich volcanic loam and sandy-clay soils interspersed with limestone fragments, benefit from a distinctly maritime climate. This terroir imparts vibrant acidity, expressive aromatics, and pronounced minerality. Hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle whole-bunch pressing, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and thoughtful ageing in French oak barrels (approximately 10-15% new), preserving varietal purity, subtle texture, and delicate complexity.

Appearance: Bright pale straw-yellow with luminous golden-green highlights, demonstrating exceptional clarity and youthful freshness. The wine gently coats the glass with medium viscosity, forming slow, elegant tears.

Aroma: Refined, expressive aromas of white peach, ripe pear, and crisp green apple, complemented by delicate notes of citrus blossom, almond pastry, and gentle hints of brioche. Subtle mineral nuances reminiscent of wet stones add aromatic depth.

Taste: Elegantly balanced palate, showcasing vibrant flavours of golden apple, fresh citrus zest, and subtle white peach. Layers of almond, fresh pastry, and gentle spice seamlessly integrate with vibrant acidity, delivering a harmonious and refined texture.

Finish: Persistent, refreshing finish, lingering gracefully with nuanced notes of orchard fruits, citrus, delicate pastry, and refined minerality. Its lively acidity ensures elegance, balance, and freshness.

Food Pairing: Ideal paired with pan-roasted snapper served alongside lemon-herb beurre blanc, or roasted chicken with wild mushroom risotto and fresh herbs.