Stonier Chardonnay 2022

Brian Stonier founded Stonier in 1978 and in doing so, became one of the pioneer vignerons on the Mornington Peninsula. Brian’s ambition was to put Mornington Peninsula fine wine on the world stage, and in the late 1990’s the world began to take notice. In 1999 Decanter awarded the Stonier 1997 Reserve Pinot Noir. Best New World Red Wine of the Year. This award was followed by the 2001 International Wine Challenge in London where Stonier won the Trophy for Best Chardonnay and Best White Wine of Show for its 1999 Stonier Reserve Chardonnay. 

Stonier is now back in local family ownership for the first time since the Stonier family sold the winery in 1999. Three local families; Drummond, McLeod & Thickins acquired the winery, vineyard, and brand in December 2022.

The grapes for Stonier Chardonnay were selected from several Stonier long term vineyards, centred near Merricks, Balnarring and Merricks North. With the long history of Stonier on the Mornington Peninsula, most of these vineyards are now in excess of 15 years old, with many more than 25 years old.

The 2022 season was influenced by unsettled weather the previous spring resulting in smaller crops. Mild weather and a very dry February ensured that fruit ripened evenly and the grapes were in great condition for harvest.

Fruit was hand-harvested during the month of March, chilled overnight before being whole bunch pressed the next day. A long, slow pressing cycle ensure the white contains a structure that mirrors perfectly with food. The juice was transferred to 500 L French oak puncheons (10% of which were new) the following day with only heavy lees left behind. The wine was then fermented with a combination of native and cultured yeasts before a partial malolactic fermentation incurred during the winter.

The aromas are layered and complex with a bouquet of cashew nuts, straw, citrus, honey, sourdough and mocha oak. On the palate the creamy viscosity of the yellow peach and honey flavours is balanced by savoury notes of toast and a satiating finish reminiscent of alpine water filtered through stone.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
Other - Vegan Friendly