2023WantirnaEstateIsabellaChardonnay

Sans 2024 marks 61 years since the first vines were planted at Wantirna Estate, established in 1963 on an east-facing slope in Melbourne’s southeastern outskirts. Once a mix of orchards, bush, and grasslands, the vineyard thrives today under the care of Maryann, Reg’s daughter, though Reg remains actively involved. The wines, named after his four grandchildren, feature labels illustrated by Michael Leunig, reflecting each grandchild’s personality—a heartfelt touch to this family-run estate.Chardonnay vines, over 40 years old, grow on an east-facing slope that captures gentle morning and afternoon sunlight, ideal for producing high-quality fruit. Hand-harvested early in the day, the fruit is pressed, chilled, and fermented in French oak barrels (new, one, and two years old) in a cool underground cellar. The wine matures on yeast lees with regular stirring to enhance texture and is bottled after 11 months.