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Bright, tropical, and beautifully balanced, Cheeky Chicken Chardonnay offers inviting hints of citrus and butterscotch, developed through six months of fermentation and ageing in French oak. Gentle acidity and a creamy, rounded texture create a harmonious palate that is both fresh and comforting. An exceptionally food-friendly style, it pairs effortlessly with roast chicken, fresh seafood, creamy pastas, and mild cheeses - making it a versatile choice for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions. Cheeky Chicken Chardonnay is a wine deeply rooted in family history and place. It takes its name from our long-standing love of Brown Isa chickens, which once roamed freely through our Barossa Valley vineyards. These same cheeky chickens were famously transported in boxes from our previous Chardonnay releases to their new home in Victor Harbour, where they now spend their days laying eggs by the sea in the care of our daughter and grandchildren.
Overview
Varietal
Chardonnay
Vintage
2024
Volume
750 ml
Closure
Screw Cap
Prime
Now – 2032
Awards & Comments
90 Points
- Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
“It’s elegantly fragrant on the nose, showing ripe stone fruit, lemon peel, nougat, and roasted cashew notes, and is followed by a beautifully rounded palate with a creamy mouthfeel. Well framed with bright acidity, making it immediately appealing. At its best: now to 2028.”
- Wine Lines, Dan Traucki
“Lemons & limes with a hint of butterscotch on the attractive bouquet. Delightful, rich, creamy palate with a smidge of refreshing acidity making it an excellent food wine. OH YUM!!”
Taste Description
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Pale straw with soft golden hues, showing brightness and clarity in the glass.
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Fresh and expressive aromas of citrus blossom and ripe lemon, layered with subtle notes of butterscotch and gentle oak influence.
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Bright and beautifully balanced, with flavours of citrus and stone fruit supported by gentle acidity. Creamy texture from extended ageing in French oak adds depth and finesse, finishing smooth and refined.
Vintage Conditions
The 2024 Barossa growing season was marked by generally dry conditions and moderate temperatures, resulting in a long, steady ripening period. Lower winter and spring rainfall led to early vine development, while reduced disease pressure supported healthy, balanced fruit.
Summer conditions were largely mild, with few extreme heat events, allowing Chardonnay to retain natural acidity and freshness. A dry, temperate autumn provided ideal harvest conditions, producing fruit of clarity, balance, and refinement, well suited to gentle French oak maturation.
Grape Variety
Chardonnay – 100%
Wine Analysis
Alc/Vol: 13.5%
Contains Sulphites
Vineyard
Rowland Flat Vineyard
Maturation
Aged 6 months in French oak barrels