Tillie J Mixed Case

Natillie Johnston’s 2024 Yarra Valley Chardonnay is an elegant and beautifully expressive wine from a small parcel grown on clay loam soils in Gruyere, Victoria. Whole-berry pressed and co-fermented in French oak (just 10% new), with no malolactic fermentation to preserve brightness and energy. The nose is vibrant and delicately savoury, with notes of preserved lemon, apricot, charred citrus and hints of hay and ginger snap biscuit. On the palate it’s finely etched and electric, with pure, mouthwatering acidity and a core of orchard fruits, lemon pith and subtle saline zest. Nine months on yeast lees with bâtonnage (lees stirring) has added texture and a whisper of creamy oak spice, while maintaining remarkable focus and freshness. Elegant, authentic and full of vitality, this is a thrilling expression of modern Yarra chardonnay and clear evidence that Tillie Johnston is a name to watch.

Aligoté is a grape that's loved amongst fans of Burgundy but little known outside of the famed French region. On recent travels to Australia, buyer Freddy Bulmer found a lot of people talking about the potential for Australian aligoté and having tried a selection he was impressed. This example was a stand out and comes from a very talented winemaker called Natillie Johnston (Tillie J) who sources the fruit from the King Valley. As our fine wine manager said when Freddy first showed him this wine, 'this could be from Burgundy.' The nose is fresh, focused and linear with a lovely subtle hint of lemon zest and jasmine, softened up by the subtle use of French oak barriques. The palate is pure and has a lovely toasted lemon note, supported by a delicate hint of cashew and more fresh jasmine. It is tightly wound, with tension and freshness but a beautifully measured level of generosity. Moreish, classy and delicious, and an impeccable argument not only for the potential of aligoté in Victoria but also the skill of this very talented winemaker.

This is a beautifully judged pinot noir that reflects both site and the rising talent of Tillie Johnston, a winemaker with a wealth of experience who has recently launched her own project. From an eight-year-old Gruyere vineyard on the valley floor, this wine balances the site’s natural generosity with freshness and poise through early picking and thoughtful winemaking. The bouquet is lifted and enticing, with ripe plum and fresh raspberry layered with savoury notes of charcuterie, cracked black pepper and a delicate floral perfume. The palate is elegant yet plush, unfolding with juicy wild strawberries, violets and black tea, framed by fine, ripe tannins and vibrant acidity. A touch of toasty oak spice lingers on the finish, complementing the pristine fruit. Fermented with around a third whole bunches and matured in French barriques, this is a graceful, poised and expressive pinot noir that marks Tillie J as a name to watch.