A rare pour: 2023 Chardonnay
2023 Granjoux Chardonnay is now by the glass at local wine bar Cellar Door Wine Store, Beechworth.
If you thought the 2023 Granjoux Chardonnay was gone for good…think again! Though this bottling has now sold out, the Cellar Door Wine Store in Beechworth is now pouring the last bottles they have - by the glass. If you value depth, character, and something truly special, this is your moment.
This is the third release of our walled, clos-like vineyard perched over the gorge in Beechworth. Critics have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic:
Erin Larkin (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) in September, describes it as "powerful and full," leading with spicy reduction, yellow orchard fruit, graphite, flint and toasted nuts. The finish reveals a green herbal note, thanks to acidity that keeps things alive. Score: 94 points.
Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front) in August, praises its fruit‑filled palate, the white peach and pear flavours that burst out, together with flint, almond‑cream and lemon myrtle. More-ish, persistent, and complex. Also 94 points.
Tom Kline (Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy) in June, calls it a "real grower in the glass," noting aromas of bacon fat, cedar, tarragon, lavender alongside peach and preserved citrus. The palate is tight now, but with time it promises great rewards. Scored 95 points.
Simply put: this wine is intense, savory, long‑lasting, and built to age. To have it by the glass — even in limited pours, is a real treat.
Why Cellar Door Wine Store Is the perfect place to sip It? The owners Peter and Lachlan Bisset (father and son) have long-served rare and special Beechworth wines. The venue is the perfect mix of knowledge, expertise, and refinement, enabling guests to enjoy a glass of special wines, in an intimate setting. Cellar Door Wine Store is more than just a wine shop; it’s a destination. Here’s what people are raving about:
Open Thursday - Monday 9:00 am - 5:00pm, with Friday and Saturday afternoons being extended (into the evening) dependant on demand. Service is repeatedly described as friendly, warm, and deeply knowledgeable. Lachlan has extensive wine knowledge, local producer connections, and an ability to make visitors feel at ease. A cozy and intimate atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for lingering, and thoughtful conversation.
The by-the-glass selection is constantly evolving, offering a dynamic snapshot of what's drinking well right now. You can also take home anything from their well-stocked shelves — a thoughtful curation that leans heavily into local vignerons, while also showcasing benchmark European classics. Expect boutique Beechworth gems, rare imports, special vintage releases, and even a few spirits and non-wine surprises. For those who love to explore flavour, this is a true playground.
If you head there to try the Granjoux by the glass:
Expect limited pours. Being a sold‑out release, they likely have only small quantities still available. Arriving sooner rather than later is wise.
You’ll get a chance to taste what critics are talking about: that spicy, flinty/herbal finish, the yellow orchard fruits, the powerful yet finely wrought structure.
Pair it with something that complements its richness: light nut‑based snacks, creamy cheeses, something herbal perhaps — matching the herbal edge in the wine will bring out more nuance. You’ll be able to find something ideal, just over the road at Goldfields Greengrocer. You’re welcome to bring snacks into the venue to enjoy, as they no longer offer cheese platters themselves.
IMAGE (Hero) CREDIT: Border Mail.
