2024 Patrick Sullivan Black Sands Chardonnay

Patrick Sullivan’s Black Sands Chardonnay comes from an extraordinary patch of vineyard near Heywood in far western Victoria - planted back in 1990 by Alistair and Alice Taylor. The site is defined by its rare soil profile: black volcanic sand over pure white limestone, giving the wine a deep mineral edge and a sense of shape that’s hard to replicate.

This is the most structured and densely built Chardonnay in Pat’s line-up - powerful, layered, and distinctly savoury, but still walking that fine line of freshness and energy he’s known for. There’s nothing flashy here - just precision, detail, and a lot of patience in the winemaking. It’s fermented in neutral vessels, with no additions bar a lick of sulphur at bottling.

For fans of serious Chardonnay with a mineral heartbeat, this is the one to chase. Limited, as always.