The search for vineyards of special provenance began in the mid '90s when Scott Ireland settled in the Geelong region. Keen to work with excellent vineyards west and south of Melbourne, it didn't take long for him to realise that a great prospect existed. An opportunity to bring under the one umbrella, a patchwork quilt of vineyards where the match of grape variety to vineyard site produced great fruit.  Provenance Wines was born, the name chosen in recognition of the source vineyards.

A bright and pale white gold in the glass. Inviting aromas of lemon balm, chalk, daffodils, a faint almond meal from the lees, subtle oak, and flashes of fresh white nectarine. The palate is piquant and juicy, with mouth-filling flavours of ripe citrus, stone fruit, cashew, and a cool climate, almost saline, mineral streak. With a long palate and lingering flavours matched by a quenching natural acidity, it is hard to stop at one glass.

The even flow of flavour, the balance, the unmistakable character of chardonnay. There aren’t too many sub $40 wines that would beat this for quality. It tastes of nectarine, honeycomb, grilled peach, grapefruit and citrus, with cedarwod notes lending a hand. At every step it feels pure but then it also feels charismatic. We’re really onto something here. Tasted: April 2024; Alcohol: 13.2%; Price: $37; Closure: Screwcap; Rated: 94 Points; Campbell Mattinson