Chardonnay

This new project has given us the opportunity to enjoy making another Macedon Ranges Chardonnay, this time from the north of the region on granite soil. The grapes come from 25 year old vines and the wine is made in the usual Bindi way; 100% wild yeast barrel fermentation, 30% new oak, and ageing for ten months on solids and lees. The wine is bright and combines citrus, white flowers, nectarine and complex nutty/mealy elements. The palate is fresh, tight, chalky, gently creamy and intense. It will gain increased texture and complexity with five years cellaring and be delicious beyond.   #NEWBINDI

James Suckling 96 points. This is a very clear, pure expression of white and yellow peaches, lemons, some minerally gun flint and very subtle oak. Really dialed-in and focused on the nose. Similarly, the palate is tautly focused, yet has fully ripe flavors in the peach and lemon spectrum. It arcs smoothly into a composed, long and balanced finish. Chardonnay that’s resolved to this extent on release is a rare thing. JS. Halliday Wine Companion 96 points. The tension in this is fabulous. Taut as a snare drum, yet intense in flavour. It starts off on a citrus theme, with lemons and a touch of tangerine, tempered by a layer of nutty,...

I love the story of this wine, named after Kostas Rind, teacher, mentor and friend of Michael Dhillon’s father, Bill – more details on the back label. And I love the contents within, particularly this vintage. Richly filled with stone fruit, spiced lemon, frangipane-lined lime tart, plus spices. Neat acidity keeps check of the palate, which has depth, some weight and very good length. 96 points. Jane Faulkner Published 10 July 2023   An intense, mineral wine fully ripe but lean, taught and intense with savoury, creamy elements. Fragrant notes of orange blossom, nectarine stone, spice and subtle nuttiness are usual with a...

Less that 20% of the usual volume made. This wine is made without additions of yeast, nutrients or enzymes. Once the juice is in the barrel a small amount of sulphur is added and then we wait, usually about five days, for the fermentation to begin. The wine spent 10 months on yeast lees in French barrels, of which 25% were new, and was bottled in late February. Typical and distinctive aromas of grapefruit and lemon with jasmine blossom lift from the glass and with time gently creamy and savoury/spicy aromas emerge. The palate is full, fresh, chalky, zesty, harmonious and quite smooth. It’s early days and five years of careful cellaring...

James Halliday Wine Companion 95 points Shy at first, so decant this or get lots of air into the glass – swirl, swirl, swirl. Then out pops stone fruit, quince, too, with citrus juice, zest and pith, barrel ferment notes of creamy lees and some mouth-watering sulphides. Quite luscious and textural with creamed honey and lemon curd lees plus a savouriness throughout. Lots to like, with fine acidity rendering the finish long. 95 points. Jane Faulkner Published 13 January 2025. WINERY NOTES: An intense, mineral wine fully ripe but lean, taught and intense with savoury, creamy elements. Fragrant notes of orange blossom, nectarine stone,...

Huon Hooke, The Real Reiew 97 points.   Bright, medium-yellow hue; restrained nutty, creamy, faintly buttery and lightly toasted bread aromas, a touch of 'milk bottle' confectionery. The palate is taut and tensioned, with vibrant acidity and subtle lemon/grapefruit and pear aromas, the lemony fruit and acidity driving it to a long finish. Bright and nervy: a more delicate and reserved style of chardonnay for this region and producer, and promises to have a long and bright career. 04 Sep 2024 Drinking window 2024–2036. HH.     "The trademark characteristics of the wine produced on our site are...

A fine chardonnay that effortlessly melds a mineralic discipline with a slippery generosity. Stone fruits a go go, orange blossom and tangerine ply a multitude of accents across a bone of transparent acidity. Ginger spice, too, crystalline and nicely offset by a creamed core of leesy nourishment imparting cashew, nougat and oatmeal notes. All well embedded. Good pulse and fine length. 93 points. Ned Goodwin MW Published 18 June 2021.   A deliciously mineral and slippery drink. An array of citrus and complexity lined with a fantastic backbone of acidity. Perhaps a bottle to be consumed by yourself. The vineyard was planted by the Calvert...

Raciness and flavour, combined with aplomb. Citrus, pear, slate and flint characters launch from the outset, candied fruit and cedar notes emerging as it travels through the mouth. There's nothing lacking about this wine, and yet it seems zippy and refreshing; it will build flesh as it matures, and be better again for it. 94 points. Campbell Mattinson 2 August 2023.

RAY JORDAN WINE GUIDE 2024 Just a little barrel fermentation has transformed this from the normal fruit-bomb style into a wine of sophistication and style, while still allowing the punchy savvy fruit to display its virtues. Typical characters of passionfruit, gooseberry and a little snow pea are lifted with a little of the lemony oak influence. A really attractive wine to drink while it is still fresh, but which can handle a little cellaring time. 93 points.   #DCHARD   #DEEP

COLOUR Deep straw. AROMA This wine exhibits lush nectarine, grapefruit and white peach characters. A hint of warm vanilla spice from oak ageing frames the nose. PALATE The palate is clean and lively with tremendous depth of ripe stone-fruit flavour nuanced by toasty almond-meal notes. Bright citrus acidity and orange peel provide length and vibrancy to the finish. CELLARING This wine may be enjoyed on release but will find further complexity three to four years from vintage.    #DCHARD #DEEP

JAMES SUCKLING 96 points. "Fantastic aromas of sliced cooked lemons and apple with flint, crushed stone, nutmeg and spiced pear. Medium to full body. Crisp acidity. Razor sharp. Oyster shells. Steely undertones. Tangy acidity." -  James Suckling.   GOLD MEDAL, Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2023.     "This wine brims with delicious, nutty pastry crust aromas which mingle with lifted white peach and orange blossom perfume. This is a textural wine with a vibrant, linear acidity. Juicy lemon and lime citrus fruit, fennel frond and savoury oak-driven complexities create an elegant, yet energetic wine with a...

Perth Royal Wine Show 2024: Trophy, Best Chardonnay. Trophy, Best Western Australian White Wine.. Trophy, Best Western Australian Wine..   "Okay, this stacks up as the best chardonnay yet from Driftwood. Displays the subtle understatement of the style and the site, but then you start to explore the complex aromas of cut lime, lemon, quince and richer crème brulee. The palate then kicks in with its embedded richness coming from regular lees stirring. A most impressive and exciting chardonnay development for Driftwood.” Ray Jordan 97/100 Winery Note: "Handpicked estate grapes, whole cluster pressed and wild...

Heady aromas of struck flint, lemon blossom and just-cooked jasmine rice, whereas the palate is tight and nervy. Definitely texture in the midst, though, thanks to creamy lees and the spiced, cedary oak, all of which help bolster the palate. 92 points. Jane Faulkner Published 07 August 2024

HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2023, 95 points. Wild ferment, MLF blocked, matured for 10 months in barrel and a further 6 months in tank on lees. A reliably brilliant wine, this year is no exception. Classy fruit collides with toasty oak, all of it punctuated by bright acidity and fine texture. Super-smart +.   Gold Medal, PERTH ROYAL WINE AWARDS 2022.    Gold Medal, MARGARET RIVER WINE SHOW 2022.   Gold Medal, ROYAL HOBART WINE SHOW 2021.       

RAY JORDAN WINE GUIDE 2024 A wine that bridges that divide between power and elegance, delivering a wonderfully precise and finely focused wine. On the nose a trace of wild ferment struck match releases. The palate then takes charge with a fine chalky edge against a backdrop of grapefruit and cashew with a lift of pear. Has a crunchy saline character to finish. As good as any from E&T. 97 points. PERTH ROYAL WINE AWARDS 2023, 5 Trophies. Best Wine of Show Best Western Australian White Table Wine Best Chardonnay Best White Table Wine Best Western Australian Table Wine PERTH ROYAL WINE AWARDS 2022, 3 Trophies. Best...

CAMPBELL MATTINSON, HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2025 From Block 1 of the Ellens Ridge vineyard at Wallcliffe in the Margaret River region. There's no doubting this wine's quality; it strikes you from the first sip. It tastes of sweet pears, nectarine, peach and grapefruit and feels intense and joyous from start to finish. Smoky, bacon-y oak plays a keen-but-supporting role, acidity is juicy and well flavoured, and the finish is sustained. In short, it's lovely. 95 points.  

Mike Bennie, Wine Front, 93 points. Located in a protected valley, Tarraford Vineyard has a discreet microclimate, that is cooler than neighbouring sites. A diversity of aspect and clone provides multifaceted winemaking opportunities. Although located in a warmer part of the valley, the site produces Chardonnay with high natural acids (and low pH) expressing itself through its characteristically long palate, fine tight structure and a zesty lemon/grapefruit finish. Halliday Wine Companion 92 points. Quite a different take this vintage, as it should be, with its lavender, white blossom and poached quince characters coming through. Lime oil...

James Halliday Wine Companion 95 points. This is smokin'. It has moreish sulphides at play, but it's the bringing together and syncing of all its elements that makes this spot-on. White nectarines, citrus, creamed honey and very spicy, all offset by mouth-watering acidity. It's layered, concentrated and flatteringly fine. 95 points. Jane Faulkner Published 13 August 2021

Gold Medal International Cool Climate Wine Show 96 Points & considered special value for money - Halliday Wine Companion   " Comes into the world fully formed and showing impeccable balance and integration, with the kind of budding complexity that brings a smile to this wine drinker's lips. The ageing-potential factor is high with this one. Layer upon layer of fresh-picked stone fruits, citrus, apple, almond meal, spice and almond amaretti are joined by mouth-watering, cleansing acidity. Flavours persist through to a long finish." 96/100 Jenni Port Wine Companion   "Translucent, clear and quietly powerful....

Gold Medal, Halliday Chardonnay Challenge 2022. WINERY NOTES: Chardonnay is one of our two main squeezes out here, and this drop in particular will have you singing Yarra Valley praises. Drop the retro stereotype because cool climate Chardonnay is our jam and you should absolutely get on board. Region: Yarra Valley Alc/Vol: 13% Smells like: Fresh pear, lemon, poached apple, florals and marzipan Tastes like: Crisp, fresh and dry with a stonefruit core and citrusy pithy texture Goes with: Paella del Mar, BBQ chicken with fresh coriander salsa verde, wash rind cheeses. Catching up on Netflix on a Sunday afternoon

Halliday Wine Companion 96 points. Pale straw with detailed aromas of white peach, nectarine and grapefruit. Hints of fine spice, grilled cashews, struck flint, clotted cream, oatmeal, white flowers, vanillin oak and stone. There's a wonderful clarity to this wine. You can, should you so desire, sit there and delineate all the individual components: lemon curd and a myriad of other tones. Or you can be happy that it is just so delicious, with scintillating minerally precision and drive, finishing dry, long, grapefruity and creamy. A great release and one of concentration and focus. 96 points. Dave Brookes Published 05 March 2024. GARY...

HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2024 Tamar Valley/Coal River Valley/Tasman Peninsula-sourced Chardonnay; matured in large format French oak for 10 months. An immediate wash of mealy lemon, grapefruit, white peach and nectarine fruit notes along with hints of fine spice, white flowers, flint, crushed river stone, nougat, oyster shell and sexy French oak. There is a swirl of struck-match complexity in the mix, and the wine presents an expansive palate with plenty of clarity, tension and complexity. A long, dreamy finish, too. 95 points. ERIN LARKIN, ROBERT PARKER WINE ADVOCATE 2023 Tasted beside the 2020, this 2021 Estate Chardonnay is finer and...

Halliday Wine Companion 96 points. Pale straw with detailed aromas of white peach, nectarine and grapefruit. Hints of fine spice, grilled cashews, struck flint, clotted cream, oatmeal, white flowers, vanillin oak and stone. There's a wonderful clarity to this wine. You can, should you so desire, sit there and delineate all the individual components: lemon curd and a myriad of other tones. Or you can be happy that it is just so delicious, with scintillating minerally precision and drive, finishing dry, long, grapefruity and creamy. A great release and one of concentration and focus. 96 points. Dave Brookes Published 05 March 2024

HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2024 Pale straw in the glass with aromas of white peach, nectarine and grapefruit with a nice match/sulphide nuance and hints of soft spice, oatmeal, white flowers, nougat, lemon curd and clotted cream. There is impressive detail, clarity and composition here with a long, wonderfully expressive pure flow across the palate on rails of mineral and stone. A picture of tension and release. Beautiful drinking. 97 points.  

REGION: TUMBARUMBA. Harvested from grapes grown around 480 meters these cool-climate wines in the McW 480 Estate range are filled with freshness and vibrancy. Enjoy vibrant flavours from great heights. The McW 480 Estate Chardonnay displays bright citrus and white nectarine with supporting fresh oak. A focused and linear palate which is richly textured with flinty acidity. Depth of citrus fruit flavor and drive combines with a long seamless finish.

All P58 clone from '80 and '82 plantings. By Oakridge's reputation for making taut and tightly structured wines, this is the most open and immediately charming of this year's vineyard series wines. Aromas of yellow peach and gunflint lead onto the palate, which is gently textured, mouth-filling and, as always, very nicely balanced. A pleasure to drink now and over the short to medium term. 95 points. Philip Rich Published 23 March 2025.

SELECTION Selection for this Chardonnay focused on premium fruit from the cool slopes of the Upper Yarra Valley , Gladysdale (Willowlake) and Wandin East (Barkala), with a touch of estate fruit from Coldstream. VINTAGE 2023 A vintage defined by cool, wet conditions, low crops and harvesting late into autumn. The resulting wines have great depth of flavour and vibrant, balanced acidities. WINEMAKING A traditional winemaking approach was used to produce this wine – handpicking and whole bunch pressing directly to 500 litre French oak puncheons for natural fermentation followed by a 9-month maturation on lees. TASTING NOTE Pale straw and...

“It’s a soft chardonnay with creamy, leesy characters as the palate’s main calling card before its zestier, zippier side takes over through the finish. Mellifluous for the most past, rushed with energy thereafter. Elegant..... 94 Points” Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion, August 2020 (2019 Vintage. WINERY NOTE: The Mendosa clone creates rich, elegant Chardonnay and we selected this for our first Equilibrio. The wine is opulent, generous and composed with good oak integration all wound together with a citrus and nectarine, creamy freshness. The concept behind our Equilibrio range is to promote the very best...