Tillie J Chardonnay

2023 | Yarra Valley | Chardonnay

Description

The 2023 Tillie J Chardonnay has been awarded an impressive 95 points by the James Halliday Wine Companion, and it’s no surprise why.

This Chardonnay is a masterclass in balance and finesse, crafted from the finest grapes of the Rising vineyard near St Andrews. From the first pour, the wine’s bright green-gold colour hints at the vibrant experience that awaits. On the nose, you’re greeted with delicate aromas of pear skin and pink grapefruit, mingling with subtle marine notes that add a touch of intrigue. Each sip reveals layers of flavour—think juicy stone fruits and citrus, all underpinned by a fine thread of oak that’s been perfectly integrated through natural fermentation in French barriques (20% new). The mid-palate delivers impressive intensity, leading to a finish that’s both balanced and long, with just the right amount of grip.

This is a Chardonnay for those who appreciate the art of winemaking—a wine that’s as elegant as it is compelling, and certainly one that deserves a place at your table.

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The 2023 Tillie J Chardonnay has been awarded an impressive 95 points by the James Halliday Wine Companion, and it’s ...
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A bottle of 2023 Tillie J Chardonnay, featuring a minimalist olive-green label with the distinct Tillie J logo in silver, symbolising the refined and balanced character of this wine. The bottle has a white screw cap and stands tall against a white background.

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About this Wine

Natillie Johnston, known as Tillie J, is a distinguished viticulturist and winemaker from the Yarra Valley, Australia. A recipient of the prestigious Top 50 Young Gun of Wine Awards for four consecutive years, she won the People's Choice Award in 2023.

Winemaker's Notes

Tillie J Wines 2023 Yarra Valley Chardonnay
Harvested on the 20th of March, this parcel of fruit was sourced from the Rising Vineyard in St Andrews on the northern fringe of the Yarra Valley at an elevation of 260m above sea level. The clone is 95.

The fruit hit the deck clean as a whistle, all I had to do was not fuck it up. Whole bunch pressed, cold settled in tank then racked with some fluffy lees to french oak barrique. Majority older oak with 1 new barrel making about 20% new oak, 1 second fill and 1 third fill.

The wine underwent wild fermentation and no malolactic fermentation took place. The wine was chilled and sulphured, a few barrels were stirred when topped.
The wine sat on lees in barrel for a further 6 months before blending, stabilization, fining and bottling in October.
Fresh grapefruit pith, white peach and jasmine on the nose. Glassy white tannin and driving acidity with intense concentration. Stone fruit continues on the palate with a subtle hint of creamy oak on the finish.

The 2022/2023 growing season in Victoria was not without its challenges. Coming off the back of a cool and wet vintage in 2022 I was ready for a better story in 2023.
Due to what is probably explained by lack of warmth and sunshine during last growing season, fruitfulness was still down across both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Yarra Valley. Weather conditions across the Yarra, King and Heathcote were more favorable this year for flowering and I saw better bunch size and weight in Chardonnay (100-120g bunches) but still a little light in Pinot Noir (75-100g bunches).

Quality was fantastic with a welcomed period of warm dry days and cooler nights leading into harvest in the Yarra Valley for my parcels of Pinot Noir on the valley floor in Gruyere and Steels Creek. Harvested early March.

The Chardonnay took its time to reach full ripeness. Situated on a slightly more elevated site, it came in towards the end of March with tight acidity and concentrated flavour.

Technical Info

Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Yarra Valley | South Australia | Australia
Size: 750mL
Alcohol Volume: 12.2%
Standard Drinks: 7.2
CONTAINS SULPHITES
WINE OF AUSTRALIA

Cellaring Recommendations

I am drinking it now, but enjoy the 2023 Tillie J Chardonnay now for its bright, fresh flavours, or cellar it for up to 3-5 years to allow the wine to develop richer, more complex characteristics.

Further Information

Natillie Johnston, known as Tillie J, is a distinguished viticulturist and winemaker from the Yarra Valley, Australia. A recipient of the prestigious Top 50 Young Gun of Wine Awards for four consecutive years, she won the People's Choice Award in 2023.

Tillie J Chardonnay

Yarra Valley

About the Wine Region: Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, known for its cool-climate wines and scenic beauty. Located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is home to some of the country’s most iconic wineries, producing exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sparkling wines. The region's combination of cool temperatures, rich soils, and varied elevations provides the perfect conditions for growing grapes with excellent flavour development and natural acidity.

The Yarra Valley is particularly celebrated for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which exhibit finesse, complexity, and balance. Winemakers in the region are known for their innovative spirit, with many adopting organic and biodynamic practices to ensure sustainability and environmental health. The cool climate allows for a longer growing season, which contributes to the refinement and complexity of the wines produced here. Whether it’s the crisp, refreshing whites or the elegant reds, wines from the Yarra Valley consistently showcase the region’s unique ability to produce world-class cool-climate wines.

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