Wines Tumbarumba Brokenwood - Wondalma Vineyard Tumbarumba Chardonnay - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Brokenwood's Wondalma Vineyard Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2024 hails from one of Australia's coolest and most highly regarded wine regions for Chardonnay. This wine, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, expresses both varietal purity and a strong sense of place. The 2024 vintage reflects careful vineyard management and precise vinification—typically, grapes are hand-harvested to preserve freshness. Fermentation and maturation are often conducted in French oak barrels, contributing texture and refined notes of brioche and subtle spice. Expect a nose marked by white peach, citrus blossom, and delicate mineral undertones, leading to an elegant palate with crisp acidity, a creamy mid-palate and a lingering, saline finish.

Tumbarumba, located in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, is celebrated for its cool climate and high elevation vineyards, which range from 300 to 800 metres above sea level. The region’s soils vary from decomposed granite to basalt, lending structure and minerality to the wines. Tumbarumba's climate is marked by cool temperatures, especially during the growing season, allowing for slow grape ripening that develops complex aromatics and retains vibrant acidity. Chardonnay from Tumbarumba has gained a reputation since the 1980s for its finesse, balance, and freshness, rivalling the best cool-climate expressions found worldwide.

The elegant structure and vibrant acidity of this Chardonnay make it very food-friendly. It pairs beautifully with seafood dishes such as seared scallops, grilled kingfish, or a classic lemon butter roasted chicken. For a regional Australian touch, consider pairing it with Sydney rock oysters or Tasmanian salmon carpaccio. Creamy risotto with asparagus or a delicate goats’ cheese tart would also complement the wine’s lively citrus notes and subtle oak character.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. Allow the bottle a few minutes to open up in the glass, letting its complex aromatics unfold. This wine can be enjoyed young for its freshness, but will also reward a couple of years in the cellar, developing further texture and complexity.