Who makes it?

Brown Brothers Patricia Chardonnay is one of the Australian classic Chardonnay wines. Brown Brothers is one of those wineries in Australia that is producing unusual wines with varieties that they develop and champion. Tarrango is a grape that Brown Brothers has become known for. Similarly, they champion Cienna, Flora (a cross between semillon and gewurztraminer) and Crouchen. All varieties that become staple wines once a wine drinker falls in love with it. They were also some of the first to produce commercial quantities of Dolcetto and Mondeuse amongst other grape more common varieties. Well, more common in their home regions, not necessarily Australia.

However, under the Patricia sub range you will find fine wine offerings that represent the classic Australian wine offerings. Varieties such as Chardonnay, such as this, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Without a doubt, these are also the wines that you will find in many Australian cellars. They are collectible and do well in the cellar.

To read a review about Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora, please click here! To read a review about Brown Brothers Tarrango, please click here!

How do they make it?

Interestingly, the Chardonnay fruit for this wine grows in Tasmania. From vineyards in Tasmania’s Tamar Valley. The grapes undergo whole bunch pressing and ferment in barrel. Then the winemaker’s allow the wine to also go through malolactic fermentation to add buttery characters and soften the acid. Then the wine rests for around 11 months in a combination of new and old French oak on lees. Lees are the wine’s dead yeast cells. It is unsurprising then that this wine has a fine polish and creaminess.

To brush up on terms like barrel ferment, please read 'Wine label terms you should know.' To read more about lees, please read What are Lees?

What does it taste like?

Patricia Chardonnay’s richness starts with the aromas of grilled peach and pineapple, with some nuttiness. These aromas are lightened with lemon and pear. The wine is dry with a full body and it shows a lovely balance. It offers plenty of fleshy fruit with poise. Along the palate there is a line of acid that pulls it all together and it finishes with firmness. The citrus, cream and nuts linger.

Elegantly lush.

What to drink it with?

Drink this wine with chicken, white fish roasted with butter and flaked almonds, grilled scallops or a vegetarian risotto.

Cheese

Enjoy this wine with bloomy cheeses such as Brie or Camembert. It will go nicely with some fig or quince paste too. A Manchego or Pecorino would work too.

Quickie review « This is a lush and rich wine for Chardonnay lovers! Chardonnay lovers unite! »

Country of Origin:  Tasmania, Australia
Tasting Date: January 2026
Price:  AU$ 60 | UK £36  | US$ ++
Drink: now – 8+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Chardonnay wines, why not check out:
The Chardonnays you should be drinking – an essential guide.
Pierro Chardonnay
Mount Mary Chardonnay
Larry Cherubino Chardonnay
Tolpuddle Chardonnay

Visit brownbrothers for more.