2023 Decades Chardonnay

In the Coal River Valley, Pinot Noir might be the obvious choice, but for Steve Flamsteed and Brad Rogers, Chardonnay is the ultimate challenge. “If we can nail Chardonnay, that’s Nirvana,” says Steve. And with the 2023 Decades Chardonnay, they’ve set the bar high—crafting a wine that’s pure, precise, and deeply connected to this remarkable site.

This wine is all about tension and balance. Bright citrus—lemon, grapefruit—drives the palate, while a saline, mineral edge adds depth and finesse. Vines planted in 1990, rooted in black clay over limestone, give the fruit a clean, focused character. The fruit was hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed, and fermented wild in large-format seasoned French oak. Only half the barrels went through malolactic fermentation, allowing the wine to retain its nervy acidity while gaining texture from nine months on lees.

"If we can nail Chardonnay that is Nirvana -  ironically it takes a lot more management of the canopy and some very careful fruit handling to make delicate focused citrusy Chardonnay but when the stars a line it can be a truly beautiful thing."
- Steve Flamsteed

Chardonnay on this site isn’t easy—it demands careful canopy management and precise fruit handling to achieve the kind of elegant, citrusy focus that defines this wine. But when everything aligns, the results are stunning. This debut release shows Steve and Brad’s ambition to create not just great Tasmanian Chardonnay, but some of the best in the country.

With only 200 cartons made for this debut release, the Decades Chardonnay promises to be one of the most sought-after in Tasmania in no time. Here's your chance to snap up the first vintage. If you're someone who's always on the hunt for the 'next big thing', then the Decades Chardonnay is one that should 100% be on your hit list.

"This is the combination of 30 years of experience in fermentation from both of us - Brad has fermented everything from miso right through to grapes and lots of beautiful ales; I have dabbled in cheese, bread and grapes for a while .. but you know at the end of the day, it has to be plenty of fun.  So far it’s been a ripper ride.  If we’ve both learnt one thing in winemaking it is that classic line of less is more and being very careful about it."
- Steve Flamsteed

96 points
"Steve Flamsteed has played a major role in the refinement of Australian chardonnay over the past 20 years and all that intuitive understanding pays off here. This is exquisitely uncluttered, a wine of confident purity that allows a great site to speak without shouting. White flowers, nectarines and grapefruit pith. A gentle suggestion of nougat and wild honey smoothing out its core, a crystalline and propulsive acidity elongating and substantiating its finish."
- Nick Ryan (The Australian)