High-Scoring Single-Vineyard Victorian Chardonnay - Patrick Sullivan 2025 Releases
Patrick Sullivan may just get his black belt for chardonnay from his 2025 releases. MIKE BENNIE, thewinefront.com.au
Patrick makes beautiful, compelling chardonnay. WINE COMPANION
Patrick Sullivan’s chardonnays are outstanding REAL REVIEW
Patrick Sullivan’s Chardonnays: Yes, please. These are engaging, complex wines. THE WINE ADVOCATE
Patrick Sullivan is the ‘been everywhere, done everything' man, planting vines at age 15 and heading to London 3 years later. Viticulture studies followed, coupled with working at Vino di Anna, a winery in Sicily, thereafter appointed international wine buyer for Vino di Anna's owner, a London-based wine distribution business. Back in Australia, he became increasingly interested in Gippsland and the Baw Baw Shire in particular; winemaker Bill Downie was his guide both there and thereafter in the Yarra Valley. His beliefs and practices took shape over this time, notably sustainability/biodynamics and ultra-close spacing of 7000 vines/ha. In '14 he and wife Megan purchased the 69ha property now called Tumblestone Farm, sitting on red volcanic soil over sandstone at the base of the Strzelecki Ranges. They live on the farm with their 2 young children and have planted pinot noir and chardonnay. In the meantime he works with chardonnay from the Millstream, Bullswamp and Ada River vineyards. JAMES HALLIDAY
Hello
Patrick Sullivan is fast becoming a Victorian chardonnay specialist. Single-site expressions of cool-climate Chardonnay grown on volcanic soils are the sole focus. Tasting the range every year is a true highlight. I recall last year saying we’d seen the best yet, but if it’s possible, these 2025’s are even better and a must for any chardonnay enthusiast.
Based in Baw Baw in Western Gippsland, Patrick Sullivan farms off single vineyards planted to chardonnay. Quality is the objective, so an emphasis on grape growing and vineyard work is the priority, ensuring the most expressive and detailed fruit is produced.
On offer today are his 5 single vineyards, 2 from the Upper Yarra Valley and 3 from Gippsland. The sites are actually not that far away from each other, about 100km from Baw Baw to Upper Yarra. Patrick talks of the similar ridge and bedrock they share due to their close proximity. Which all makes sense once the wines are poured out in front of you. They command your attention, showcasing tipicity, mineral drive and loaded with straight up deliciousness.
2025 was a season that produced outstanding quality, especially for chardonnay in the coolers parts of Victoria, thanks to a warm and dry growing season. Just the right amount of sun and warmth, allowing flavoursome and complex wines full of freshness. These high class chardonnays will benefit from a few years in the cellar.
It’s very hard to pick a standout wine from the range as they are all very very good. Ada River is a highlight for the long term. The other single vineyards will improve with bottle age but offer approachability and drinkability now. Or, decide for yourself, by having a go at the mixed single vineyard pack, I highly recommend!
To order please click through below.



