Quartz Reef Chardonnay 2024 Ranked Among Central Otago’s Best

Our Quartz Reef Bendigo Estate Chardonnay 2024 was ranked #3 of 24 Central Otago Chardonnays by The Real Review.

We are delighted to see this wine recognised in such strong company. For us, it is a lovely reflection of what Chardonnay can do in Bendigo: texture, detail, freshness, and quiet confidence, all held in balance.

If you are looking for a Central Otago Chardonnay with elegance, richness, and structure, this is a wine well worth seeking out.

All tasting notes and scores below are drawn from The Real Review tasting note by Stephen Wong MW.

Bendigo Estate Chardonnay 2024

Our Chardonnay 2024 comes from mature vines planted in 1998 on our Bendigo Estate in Central Otago.

The fruit was hand-picked on 9 April, whole-bunch pressed, and minimally settled before a wild fermentation in oak barrels, with 10% new oak. The wine then spent 12 months maturing in barrel, building texture and complexity while retaining freshness and site expression.

The result is a biodynamic Central Otago Chardonnay with finesse, depth, and the structure to age beautifully.

Tasting Note from The Real Review

Stephen Wong MW describes the wine as elegant and nutty, with smoky notes on the nose.

On the palate, it is creamy, round, and rich, with ripe apricot and apple layered alongside roasted hazelnut. Its classical structure and measured oak make it especially appealing for those who enjoy a more traditional Chardonnay style.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Drink window: Now to 2037
Food pairing: A natural match for a croque madame, roast chicken, or richer poultry dishes

Score: 95 points
Ranked: #3 of 24 Central Otago Chardonnays from the 2024 vintage
Recognition: Top-ranked wine in The Real Review tasting

We are especially pleased to see this wine recognised not only for its quality, but for its distinct sense of place. Bendigo has a remarkable way of giving Chardonnay both generosity and line, and this vintage carries that beautifully.

Why This Quartz Reef Chardonnay Stands Out

Quartz Reef Chardonnay 2024 reflects the things that matter most to us: Demeter-certified biodynamic farming, estate-grown fruit, and a restrained winemaking approach that allows the vineyard to speak clearly.

It is expressive now, but built with the kind of balance and structure that will reward time in cellar too. It is also a wine we produce only every other year, so quantities are always limited.

You can find Quartz Reef Bendigo Estate Chardonnay 2024 online or taste it at our Cromwell cellar door, where it is currently open for tastings and proving very easy to like.

Shop Quartz Reef Bendigo Chardonnay
Visit the Cellar Door in Cromwell