Eastford Creek Chardonnay 2024

Some people prefer a heavily oaked Chardonnay, others one that has never seen the inside of a barrel. We feel we have hit the perfect balance with ours, fermenting 40% in new French Oak and the remainder in both old French Oak and stainless-steel tank. This generates a broader mouthfeel – creamy without being buttery – before giving way to light citrus fruit on the palate. The oak is present but not dominant, providing hints of vanilla across the nose which melts into chalkiness and lemon rind. The finish is stone fruit and lime, with a generous dollop of custard: freshly burnished crème brûlee.
This wine has been a hit with Chardonnay fans, sceptics and judges alike.

Eastford Creek was established in 2018 on the Nichols family farm. On fields that previously grew brocolli, potaotoes and wheat, 12 hectares of vines were planted by farm-owners Rob and Sue Nichols, Rob’s daughter Rachel and her husband, Nick. A bottle of wine had always brought the family together and a few rows of vines seemed the ideal project to combine their passions and skills.
In 2019, award-winning winemaker Andrew Gaman was brought on board. Originally from Margaret River, he has made wine all over the world and saw the potential in the Sassafras vineyard, basing himself in the rapidly growing on-site winery. Throughout 2021 an old farm shed was converted into a Cellar Door and now is full every week, with locals and tourists alike praising the wine and the local produce platters. Eastford Creek products are truly a reflection of the ground they are planted in: rich, earthy and full of life. The volcanic soil which worked so well for the more traditional crops has already produced several award
winning wines, and the vineyard is rapidly growing a reputation among Tasmania’s best.

Gold - 2024 ASWS, awarded trophy for Best Tasmanian
White 97 Points and top-rated Chardonnay in Australia,
Gold - 2024 Aus & NZ Boutique Wine Awards, 93 points