96 Points - Gary Walsh | 96 Points - Jane Faulkner
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.
This 2024 Garagiste Merricks Chardonnay is another ultra impressive Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay made from grapes grown on the 28 year old Merricks vineyard. Opening with lifted aromatics of citrus and stone fruit, the palate is intensely flavoured with pristine cool-climate fruit, lively acidity and lovely fleshiness throughout. Another classy Garagiste Chardonnay release that is deserving of the high praise it is already receiving.
"96 Points. My word, this wine sizzles. Grapefruit, lemon and lime rind, nectarine, almond meal, a little struck match and spice. It’s saline and savoury, yes, with a little umami goodness, but also has a bright core of mixed citrus and stone fruits on the cusp of ripeness. It’s chalky and flinty, and in particular, the length of it is outstanding, closing with a little quinine bite. Well butter me both sides Barney, this is a beauty. Tasted: Aug25. 13% alc. $50. Screwcap. Drink: 2026 - 2034+"- Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
"96 Points. Now this has all the right moves, well flavour anyway. Meyer lemon and grapefruit and flinty sulphides. Cedary, spicy oak adds flavour not weight while creamy, luscious lees expand across the palate, adding a moreish note. Then superfine acidity comes in to steal the show. Such a good drink. $50. 13% alc. Drink: 2025 - 2034. Screwcap"- Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion.
