2024 Program
Introduction
Meg Brodtmann MW, President – Wine Yarra Valley
Angus Hughson, Australian Editor – VINOUS
Session 1
How Did We Get Here?
- A History of Chardonnay in Australia (presentation linked)
Presenter:
Steve Flamsteed, Senior Consultant & Director – Wine Network Consulting
Panel:
Dr Jamie Goode, Author & Writer
David LeMire, Co-CEO - Shaw & Smith
Wines:
2023 Tolpuddle Chardonnay
2022 Tyrrells Vat 47 Chardonnay
2022 Oakridge 864 Henk Chardonnay
2021 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay
An overview of the journey of Australian Chardonnay over the years and the changes we see in characteristics, styles and trends. Discussion on where we have come from and what the future looks like.
Session 2
The P58 Project (presentation linked)
Presenter:
Nick Dry, Viticulturist – Foundation Viticulture
Panel:
Steve Faulkner, Senior Viticulturist – Oakridge Wines
Wines:
2023 Bannockburn - SRH Chardonnay
2022 Montalto Eleven Chardonnay
Nick Dry will provide an update on The P58 Project which aims to improve the phytosanitary and identity status of Chardonnay clone P58. P58 (aka ‘Penfolds 58’ or just ‘Penfolds’) is widely recognised and appreciated by winemakers in premium Chardonnay regions.
Session 5
Struck Flint Aromas (presentation linked)
Presenter:
Tracey Siebert, Research Scientist - AWRI
Panel:
David Bicknell, Chief Winemaker - Oakridge Wines
Wines:
2023 Penfolds Reserve Bin 23A Chardonnay
2023 Deepwoods Reserve Chardonnay
2023 Murdoch Hill Rocket Chardonnay
2022 Holyman Chardonnay
Struck flint aroma (aka struck match, gun smoke or mineral aroma) is a character considered desirable in certain styles of premium Chardonnay and sparkling wine; and while some winemakers have empirical knowledge on how to express it in their wines, little scientific evidence has been gained to describe its formation or winemaking techniques that could be used to dial this character up or down.
As part of a broader Wine Australia-funded project on sulfur compounds in wine, AWRI researchers, including Tracy Siebert, conducted experiments to investigate the formation of this compound and factors influencing its preservation in wine during ageing.
Session 6
Market Insights (presentation linked)
Presenter:
Tamara Grischy, General Manager - Langton’s
Panel:
Steve Flamsteed, Senior Consultant & Director – Wine Network Consulting
Annette Lacey MW, Group Beverage Manager - Solotel
Michael McNamara, Owner - Prince Wine Store
This session will explore the marketing and buying patterns of the Australian Chardonnay Consumer.
Wines:
A blind tasting of four wines at different price points.
Session 3
Vessel Chat
Presenter:
Samantha Connew, Winemaker/Director - Stargazer Wine
Panel:
Paul Bridgeman, Chief Winemaker - Levantine Hill Estate
Melanie Chester, Head of Winemaking & Viticulture - Giant Steps
Rémi Jacquemain, Régisseur - Place of Changing Winds (presentation linked)
Wines:
2024 Giant Steps Egg Ferment Chardonnay (sample)
2024 Levantine Hill Estate Tulip Chardonnay (sample)
2023 Place of Changing Winds Larderdark Chardonnay
2023 Stargazer Chardonnay
Four case studies of different ferment vessels and the influence they have on the characteristics of Chardonnay. Do vessel dynamics create a unique wine or is it better as a blending option?
Session 4
Pursuing Sustainability (presentation linked)
Presenter:
Michael Saunders, Head Viticulturist – Voyager Estate
Panel:
Dr Jamie Goode, Author & Writer (presentation linked)
Georgina Jacobs, Vineyard Operations Manager - Oakridge Wines (presentation linked)
Michael Saunders will lead this session and explore the challenges and opportunities in purusing sustainablity in the vineyard drawing on his experince after six months in Margaret River. Dr Jamie Goode will also delve deep on his book ‘Regenerative Viticulture’.
Session 7
Global Chardonnay Perspectives
Panel:
Michael Brajkovich MW, Winemaker - Kumeu River Wines
Elaine Chukan Brown, Writer & Speaker - Hawk Wakawaka Wine Reviews
Richard Hemming MW, Head of Wine, Asia – 67 Pall Mall
Will Lyons, Wine Writer - The Sunday Times (presentation linked)
Wines:
2022 Kumeu River Mates Vineyard Chardonnay
2021 Kelley Fox ‘Dux Vineyard’ Dundee Hills Chardonnay
2020 Jean-Claude Ramonet Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru les Boudriottes
2020 Jacques Carillon Puligny Montrachet 1er cru Les Canets
Perceptions of Australian Chardonnay from international markets. What does well and why does it do well? Has this evolved over time?
Session 8
Q&A & Overview
Panel:
Angus Hughson, Founder & Publisher – Vinous
Will Lyons, Wine Writer - The Sunday Times
