"Such a tasty Chardonnay"- Gary Walsh
Garagiste is one of Australia's brightest cool-climate producers, created by Barnaby Flanders back in 2006. Crafting an impressive range of small-batch Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Garagiste has a focus on expressing the single-sites and sub-regions of the Peninsula.
The 2025 Garagiste Le Stagiaire Chardonnay is made up of grapes grown on premium Mornington Peninsula sites; Balnarring (65%), Merricks North (19%) and Tuerong (16%). The result is a vibrant, fresh release packed with citrus, flowers and stone fruits. Balanced by round texture and snappy acidity, there’s linear drive and a savoury, slightly salty close. Another impressive release that offers a level of value-for-money rarely found on the Mornington Peninsula.
"94 Points. I always chase Barney Flanders for his wines, which I think he quite likes. This is Merricks (35%), Balnarring (25%), Merricks North (30%) and Tuerong (10%). 500L puncheons, 10% new. This is juicy and flavoursome. Nectarine, pink grapefruit, a lightly salty and spicy preserved lemon thing. It has a pulpy citrus flavour mixed with stone fruit, a little creamy and nutty, some flinty bits, with a seaside saline and citrus finish of excellent length. It’s such a tasty Chardonnay. Everything is in the right place. Tasted: Nov25. 13% alc. $35. Screwcap. Drink: 2025 - 2032"- Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
