Étoile considers the wealth of what can be achieved when we are free of the limitations of singularities. By focusing on the blend, we have crafted a finely tuned cuvée with no rough edges, that shines like a polished gem. Étoile is about balance, length of palate and complexity drawing from the art of blending.

Every year – with the exception of 2000 and 2020 – CHANDON has released a Vintage Brut, our flagship wine. Our philosophy prioritises fruit purity by allowing it to take the starring role, and letting age contribute as layers of complexity. And every year we have put aside reserves of these blends for future use. Étoile is a true multi-vintage blend of eight exceptional years of CHANDON Vintage Brut, spanning back to 2005. Ageing in oak barrels adds further complexity. 

Étoile tells the story of the years. We have the ultra-cool season of 2005; the blast of heat that was 2009, which was followed by a cooler autumn. The lovely 2012 season, which built slowly and gently through March into April, with an ideal autumn – low twenties in the daytime with colder nights. The hotter 2013 season, which was a flurry of harvest. The 2014 was concentrated, with low yields; we’ve used a small amount of this vintage to contribute a subtle richness. The wonderful 2015 season – again cool, and longer, with extremely delicate results. And then the hotter 2016 – a glow of sunshine and warm days.

Five of Australia's premier cool climate wine regions contributed to the final blend of Étoile.

51% is from the mountainous Whitlands High Plateau, where red soils produce wines with distinct zesty drive; 23% is from the Yarra Valley, where ancient soils lend generosity to the blend; 16% from the Strathbogie Ranges where the weathered granitic sand imparts precision and minerality; 5% from Tasmania, where coolness drives purity of fruit; and 5% from Macedon Ranges, where the Southern Ocean impact imparts salinity.

Étoile is absolutely and resolutely Australian. Its guiding principle is to capture poise, elegance and finesse from fruit purity, rather than seeking heavy autolytic flavours and yeasty notes in the old-world mode.

On the nose it tantalises with aromas of Asian pear, white peach and finger lime with an undercurrent of macadamia butter and hints of apple blossom. The palate reveals waves of yuzu, bergamot and white peach floating on pistachio nougat with whispers of pastry and allspice.  Characters burst with radiance and integrate seamlessly. There’s tightly wound acidity and a surprising level of brightness and vibrancy. Autolytic notes from the wine’s extended age are smooth and subtle, gingernutty. Overall, there is a sense of plenty, embraced with mesmerising restraint, completeness and harmony.