Bindi Kostas Rind Chardonnay Macedon Ranges, Victoria – 2023

Bindi is widely acknowledged as being one of Australia’s best small producers. It is situated at around 500m altitude in the cool climate Macedon Ranges, about an hour’s drive north of Melbourne. The winery is truly “boutique”, even by Burgundian standards, with only 7 hectares of vines, of which 5 hectares are planted with Pinot Noir and 2 hectares with Chardonnay. Total production is never higher than 3,000 cases per vintage.

This fresh, intense, mineral Chardonnay comes from a small plot (1.5 hectares) of 35 year old vines planted on volcanic soils. It has gentle aromas and flavours of orange blossom, nectarine stone, spice and cashew nuts with vibrant, tight, very fine acidity and long length. Around 750 cases were produced. Just starting to drink now, this will open up and gain in complexity over the next 5 years and then drink beautifully until 2035.

Serve with pan-fried white fish fillets, calamari, or oysters.

“Bright medium-light yellow; subtle lemon/grapefruit pithy aromas, the palate bold, intense and driving, the finish quite firm thanks to acidity and gentle phenolics which combine to impart a notable grip. The wine is tense and tightly coiled, promising to age well and soften off with a bit more time. ” 95/100 The Real Review