2024 'Bull Swamp' Chardonnay

The Vineyard

The Bull Swamp vineyard was planted in 1982 by the Farrington family in the early 1980s on the very edge of the Warragul township. The Bull Swamp Chardonnay comes from the oldest plantings of P58 clone on a north-facing aspect of the site. Deep rich volcanic soils nourish what are dry grown grape vines. Elevation is 100m and this section of the vineyard receives the least amount of airflow relative to our other sites. The northerly aspect provides full sunlight and exposure resulting in powerful, rich fruit.

The Vintage

The 2024 growing season in the Baw Baw Shire was exceptional, with plentiful rainfall followed by ideal sunshine, creating the perfect conditions for ripening. Characteristic low yields and mature vines resulted in wines with exceptional concentration, body, and complexity, showcasing vibrant acidity and minerality. Yields were significantly down compared to previous vintages, however the 2024 wines are a standout expression of the Patrick Sullivan style, marked by intensity, elegance and refinement.

Winemaking

The fruit was hand harvested into 450kg bins, chilled overnight and transferred to the winery, and then whole-cluster crushed into the press and drained off into the tank for settling. Primary fermentation took place in barrique (30% new) over three weeks followed by complete malolactic fermentation. Lees stirring occurred twice towards the end of primary fermentation then once more at the completion of malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged in barrique for 11 months.