Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2024

Aroma: Fruit-driven with underlying complexity from indigenous yeast.
Palate: Rich and mouth-filling with pure Pinot fruit, subtle tannins, and a long, lingering finish.

The 2024 vintage, shaped by a warmer and more generous growing season on Tasmania’s east coast, yields a wine of both generosity and finesse. At approximately 13.8% alcohol, this expressive and textured Chardonnay is approachable in youth while offering the grace and structure to age gracefully for 5–10 years.

Former Abalone diver and Lobster fisherman Brian Franklin planted Apsley Gorge with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the early 1990’s. Situated in the Apsley Valley about 14 kilometres from the township of Bicheno, Tasmania, the vineyard enjoys an excellent climate for both these grape varieties. The first vintage was produced in 1993.

The vineyard, about 7 hectares, is farmed as low yield and non-irrigated to ensure the stability of the fruit, hand pruned and hand picked maintaining the quality of the grapes from vineyard to winery.

Brian took over the winemaking in the late 1990’s and quickly became noticed as an exceptional winemaker. His winemaking skills in the traditional French style were honed originally with Phillipe Charlopin, one of Burgundy’s most notable winemakers. Brian has worked every vintage in Burgundy since 2000, lately working with Phillipe’s son Yann at Domain Charlopin-Tissier.

Apsley Gorge wine is distributed to every state in Australia and exported to several counties. The winery sits on the seaside at “The Gulch” in Bicheno, one of the most spectacular positions of any winery in Australia. Originally a fish processing factory, the classic character of the winery suits the history of Tasmania’s east coast. Fishing and agriculture are still major industries in the district with wine production and wine tourism becoming extremely popular.