Provenance Golden Plains Chardonnay (750mL)

What the Experts Say

(Review is of the 2015 vintage.)

Chardonnay sourced from the Ballarat, Henty and Geelong regions. Not certain where exactly the Golden Plains are located; perhaps somewhere between the three.

It sits on the leaner side of the chardonnay spectrum but lactose and sweet cedar-like oak help balance things out. Green melon and stonefruit flavours burst through the palate, aided by chalk and spice notes. You’d hope that time adds some flesh here.

88+/100 - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front

Our Notes

It’s not often that we’ll feature a multi-regional wine at Secret Bottle, but this “Golden Plains” Chardonnay from Provenance retains a strong emphasis on regional terroir and was too good to resist.

Strong varietal notes of apricot and honeydew, elevated by a gently floral nose, artful oak and a full chalky texture. Nice straw colour. 

Winemakers Comments

Brilliant, pale straw with a green hue. Fruit aromas reminiscent of white flowers and stone-fruit are enhanced by a cashew-like barrel ferment character. The opulent palate is testament to the low yielding season, showing layers of intense fruit kept in check by pitch-perfect natural acid. Long and persistent in finishing flavour; chalky texture plays a part in bringing this fine, balanced Chardonnay to conclusion.

About the Winery

The passion project of winemaker Scott Ireland, Provenance Wines grew from Ireland’s experience in contract winemaking and work with small growers and vignerons.

With nine vineyards scattered over Geelong, Ballarat and Henty, Provenance is named for their mission to truly reflect the regional and microregional character of its carefully-chosen “patchwork quilt” of operations.