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- 94
2022 A. Rodda Baxendale Vineyard Chardonnay

Beechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$46. 99
Bottle
$563.88 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Adrian Rodda started making wine in 1998, where he worked at Oakridge Wines in the Yarra Valley for over a decade. In 2010, Adrian moved to Beechworth in Northeast Victoria to make Chardonnay from the Smiths Vineyard, the oldest vineyard in modern Beechworth. In 2012, he started the "Chardonnay Project," where he sources grapes from the Willow Lake Vineyard in the Yarra Valley and makes wine alongside the Smiths Vineyard Chardonnay. In 2017, a third Chardonnay was added from the Baxendale Vineyard at Whitlands in the cool upper reaches of Northeast Victoria. The Baxendale Vineyard was planted in 1995 on volcanic soils at an elevation of 600m. Handpicked grapes are pressed to 500l French oak barrels (33% being new barrels) for fermentation and 12 months of maturation on lees.
Other Reviews….
Vineyard sits at 600m ASL, planted 1995. All three Rodda Chardonnays are made pretty much the same way, which is a good way to express region/site, aside from the Triangle Block, which gets a bit move of a push in the winery. Friand and spice, floral, melon and grapefruit. Firm acidity, a little green apple, distinctly flinty and chalky, with something of a sappy-sour-edged, yet also slightly creamy almond finish of good length. Pretty tight, but very nice. Drink 2024 - 2029+
94 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

Delivery Information
- 95
- 98
- 96
- 96
2017 Brokenwood ILR Reserve Semillon

Hunter Valley, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA

$94. 99
Bottle
$1139.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2023-2031)

ABV: 11%

Closure: Stelvin

Brokenwood’s ILR Reserve Semillon is released only from the best years. The fruit for this year’s ILR Reserve is sourced from the Trevena Vineyard on Hermitage Road, an important Heritage Vineyard, with vines having been planted in 1926.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with highlights of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Lifted scents of lime juice and green apple have an oily toast like overlay with some lemon, wet steel and faint bees wax notes also evident. Zesty lime and green apple fruits meld into a back drop of lemon butter, oily kerosene like characters, bees wax and steely mineral elements. Just beginning to build texturally it finishes dry with crisp acidity and a long focused aftertaste.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 11%

Other Reviews….
From one of the masters of developed semillon, helped in this instance by the great semillon vintage. Its bouquet half suggests the use of oak – not true. It's a hypnotic wine, with Meyer lemon driving the citrus circus and the wheels of acidity. Drink by 2042.
98 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

Few semillons scale the heights of consistency and excellence that this wine does. August 2023 release.
It’s got gentle development in faint creaminess to texture, despite the chalky pucker and chew. Scents show off nougat, light honey toastiness, lime, lemon, dried apple. It’s lovely to take a big whiff of and the palate echoes those characters well. Tense acidity is a mainstay, the length of flavour extreme and palate staining in a gentle sense. The gentle development lends a sweetness to fruit, but geez, that pure, cool, citrusy and mineral-laden acidity is a force. It’s wonderfully balanced and extremely good. Drink 2023-2040+
96+ points
Mike Bennie – The Wine Front

An iridescent mid-yellow flecked with green, the color of semillon from these parts nudging adolescence, little more. Loads in store, attested by a faint whiff of buttered white toast and lemon drop. The acidity, febrile and gloriously juicy, carries the flavors extremely long. The wine is typical featherweight, belied by the intensity of flavor at its core. This is exceptional. Inimitable. Benchmark wine. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.
96 points
JamesSuckling.com

Delivery Information
- 94
- 92
2021 Cape Mentelle Chardonnay

Margaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

$52. 99
Bottle
$635.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2024-2029)

ABV: 13.2%

Closure: Stelvin

Founded in 1970, Cape Mentelle is among Margaret River's original five wineries, leading the way in developing the region's famous wine styles.
The Chardonnay is cultivated in two southern vineyards, located approximately 15 minutes south of the Margaret River township. These two sites vary significantly in aspect, soil composition, temperature ranges, and rainfall, contributing to a diverse fruit profile. Handpicked fruit is harvested in the cool of the morning and whole bunch pressed to barrel for wild fermentation and matured on lees for ten months.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a distinct glimmer of green around the edges and a watery hue. Attractive white peach and nectarine aromas are trailed by hints of dried honey, biscuity oak and gun flint notes. Medium bodied with a moderately creamy yet fresh feel the palate sports white peach and nectarine fruits over toasty oak, nougat and infusions of gun flint. Vibrant acidity with a long refined, cream tinged finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.2%
Other Reviews….
Spiced apples, pears, pie crust, apricot stones and salted nuts. Creamy and fleshy with salty undertones and tangy acidity. Delicious now. Screw cap.
92 Points
JamesSuckling.com
2021 is proving to be an excellent vintage in the Margaret River region, but one needs a long memory to recall when they were not blessed with fine conditions. The fruit is sourced from the Crossroads and Chapman vineyards, mostly the gingin clone. Whole bunch pressed and fermented in barrels, maturation is in French oak (88%) and tank (12%) for ten months, before transferring all the finished wines to tank for a further five months with monthly lees stirring. A gleaming pale gold and such an alluring nose. The complexity is immediately evident with wonderful floral notes, stonefruits and vanillin oak, all finely integrated. Tropical notes emerge more on the palate than with the aroma.
Balanced, finesse and exceptional length are very much the hallmarks of this stunning Chardonnay. Drink over the next eight to ten years with ease. Drink 2023-2033.
96 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com

Delivery Information
- 97
- 95
- 94
2022 Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay

Margaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

$79. 99
Bottle
$959.88 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

2022 was a truly exceptional vintage in Margaret River with ideal conditions and slow ripening of Chardonnay producing pristine fruit. The Reserve Chardonnay is assembled from two central Wilyabrup vineyards, with additional fruit coming from an excellent mature vineyard in Wallcliffe and a small amount of fruit from Karridale. The fruit is handpicked and whole bunch pressed to new and seasoned oak for wild fermentation, followed by 9 months of maturation on lees before being blended for bottling.
Other Reviews….
Sourced from the best grapes, hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, fermented in new and used French oak; only the best barrels are chosen for this wine. It is a beautiful Chardonnay, offering complexity and length to its white peach core. 96 Points James Halliday – The Weekend Australian Magazine 2023 An impressive chardonnay with notes of salted lemons, sliced pineapples, flint, sea shell, raw almonds and praline. Full-bodied, layered, concentrated and so balanced, with a delicate, sleek texture and tangy, saline undertones. It is vivid and delicious. Long. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
97 Points
JamesSuckling.com
The quality of the 2022 vintage meant that very little fruit got downgraded from the Reserve level. The quantity in this low-yielding vintage was healthy (1,000 dozen with new vineyard resources online). I maintain that this cuvée is released too early (November the year following harvest) to show its pedigree and potential, of which it is abundantly endowed. So, this 2022 Reserve Chardonnay leads with almond meal, toasted peach, apple skins and preserved citrus. There are hints of sandalwood, clove, cut fennel and star anise. The fruit in the mouth plumes around the skeleton of phenolics that shape the flavor through the finish. It is textural and complex, detailed and fleshy. This is very good! Will be better! The drinking window is conservative. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023 – 2037.
95 Points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A regional blend including grapes from two central Wilyabrup vineyards, with additional fruit coming from Wallcliffe and a small amount of fruit from Karridale. Struck match, grilled lime and peach, almond meal, spicy oak. It’s a big mouthful of ripe citrus, pear and peach, aniseed, with toasted oak, something of an umami Parmesan rind flavour, quite juicy with some dry grip to texture, and a finish of good length. It’s a bold glass of Chardonnay, with plenty to hang on to, and I reckon it’s pretty good drinking over the medium term. Drink 2023 – 2028.
94 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

Delivery Information
- 96
- 95
2022 Duke's Magpie Hill Reserve Riesling

Porongurup, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

$42. 99
Bottle
$515.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2022-2032)

ABV: 12.1%

Closure: Stelvin

With new owners comes a label refresh for the Magpie Hill Reserve Riesling. Brilliant water like colour with distinct highlights of green around the edges. Jumping out of the glass are intense lime and Granny Smith apple scents which are trailed by some lemon, wet steel, orange rind and distinct flinty mineral notes. Racy, powerful and concentrated but not as textural as top vintages, mouth watering lime, green apple and lemon flavours are pierced by a steely spine of mineral infused acidity. Some orange rind and cucumber characters are also apparent on the dry flinty finish. Tense and laser like in its focus with an exceptionally long but tightly coiled aftertaste.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 12.1%

Other Reviews…..
This 2022 Magpie Hill Reserve Riesling is the first under new ownership, and it leads with a distinctly different nose than usual. It's challenging to pin down, but here goes: in place of the pristine white flowers and talc that is expected, there is swirling ash/embers, straw/hay, bison grass and graphite/bitumen and a pronounced petrichor/ozone character leads the charge. Behind it are pencil shavings, Dispirin (aspirin), the crackle of summer grass and oxalis. It's salty and mineral, gray and rocky, austere and sleek. Whether it's the season or not, this is a change in style for the Magpie Hill Reserve. Very different indeed. Drink 2022-2037.
95+ points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
Smoky struck-flint reduction at first sniff then a suite of fruit aromas gradually unfolds, floral, mineral, green apple and lemon to the fore. The wine is tightly wound and very restrained, delicate and tense, needing time to emerge fully. Lively acidity is neatly integrated into the wine. A long-term wine for sure, a style that needs time and will richly reward even a few years cellaring.
95 points
Huon Hooke - The Real Review

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- 97
2022 Fighting Gully Road Chardonnay

Beechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$49. 99
Bottle
$599.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2023-2031)

ABV: 14%

Closure: Stelvin

Produced predominantly from Smith’s vineyard which was planted back in 1978, the vines are tended by leading viticulturalist Mark Walpole who was responsible for introducing a number of emerging Italian varietals to Brown Brothers North East Victorian vineyards during the 1990’s. Together with winemaker Adrian Rodda, one of Beechworth’s emerging stars, they make formidable team, their 2022 Chardonnay quite possibly their best yet.
Moreishly rich, powerful and beautifully shaped this is a rising star of Beechworth.
Brilliant very pale straw core with distinctive green toned edges and a watery hue. Engulfing the nostrils are intense white peach, ripe nectarine, dried honey, cashew, biscuity nougat, subtle grapefruit and struck match stick notes. Rich and concentrated yet simultaneously wonderfully refined and fresh, the palate is draped with layers of white peach, nectarine and subtle grapefruit flavours. Notions of dried honey, roasted cashew, biscuity nougat characters and infusions of gun flint lend further sophistication to the back half. Texturally full and creamy it carries beautiful shape right through the long power packed finish. An exceptional Beechworth Chardonnay.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%

Delivery Information
- 94
- Organic
2021 Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling

Frankland River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

$47. 99
Bottle
$575.88 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Other Reviews....
Flavour in the acidity. That’s what it’s all about here. The lines are very straight and ultra direct but they are more than that; they are conduits. Lime, talc, mandarin and florals with something almost jibe in the centre of the palate there. A trail of gun smoke enters the aftertaste. This is excellent. Drink 2022 - 2032+
94 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front (April 2022)
Light straw-yellow colour. Pungent passionfruit and lychee aromas, cool-grown aromas, while the palate is concentrated, just off-dry and tangy with quite brisk acidity and again a lot of tropical, passionfruity flavours. There's a lick of tannin, which brings a touch of bitterness that all lingers on the very long aftertaste. Very attractive and a little bottle-age might bring more fluency. It certainly has intensity and powerful fruit.
94 Points
Huon Hooke - The Real Review (February 2022)
Notes from winery....
The 2021 harvest will be remembered for the perfect spring conditions leading into the ripening period. With the return to a “normal” picking date (starting on 19th March), we harvested excellent white grapes – gratefully accepting generous cropping levels after two small vintages in 2019 and 2020. With bunch sizes and volumes back to normal levels we saw ripening slowly evolve and build some wonderful fruit flavour and concentration. Thus it’s a very exciting release.
Hunter Smith - Frankland Estate

Delivery Information
2020 Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling

Frankland River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

$44. 99
Bottle
$539.88 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Other Reviews....
Is Great Southern the most isolated wine region on earth? Perhaps that northwest bit of China is? Feels like a good statement anyway.
Superb, energetic, taut and very complex white wine. Scents of ozone and green apple, fennel and talc. Beautiful perfume that reflects perfectly into flavours in the palate, a shimmering, glassy and tense feel drawn long and to a powdery, lightly puckering and, again, talc-like lingering finish. Epic.
96 Points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front (March 2021)

Delivery Information
- 94
- 96
2019 Frankland Estate SmithCullam Riesling

Frankland River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

$59. 99
Bottle
$719.88 Dozen

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Other Reviews....
With striking clarity and purity, this is the sort of riesling you can get lost in, merely by breathing in the aromas of fresh sliced limes, white peaches and grapefruit, as well as nuances of white flowers, gun flint and spice. The palate has a similarly complete and composed style, leading you along with pristine lime, apple, white-peach and fresh-pear flavors. Long and effortless, this is all so pleasurable. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
96 Points
JamesSuckling.com (April 2020)

I suppose you say the name with no pause now too.
It’s juicy and floral, cinnamon sticks, sweet apple with ripe lime juice acidity, light powdery texture, and a pretty but slightly savoury finish of excellent length. I most often prefer the dry Rieslings from Frankland Estate, so perhaps bear that in mind. Drink 2020 - 2026.
92 Points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front (May 2020)

Named after the founders, Barrie Smith and Judi Cullam. Off-dry and crafted from a plot-by-plot-by-row selection across the most propitious sites. Lemon squash, candied citrus zest, mountain herb and tonic. This serves as a transparent stream of uncluttered riesling scents, neither too dry and sour; nor excessively fruity and dainty. Make no mistake, despite its ethereal flow, this mid-weighted riesling packs punch across a long finish of sap and crunch, the dollop of sugar mitigating the grape's soprano acidity.
94 Points
Ned Goodwin - James Halliday's Wine Companion (March 2020)

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2020 Frankland Estate Poison Hill Riesling

Frankland River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

$44. 99
Bottle
$539.88 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Other Reviews....
Not really that poisonous but an evocative name nonetheless.
Strong lime and citrus blossom aromas, very pure, quite foggy but perfumed approach. Succulent and delicious, straight up. Lime juice, green apple, a lick of barely there grapefruit pithy here. Tangerine to finish. And minerally. Strong minerally finish, indeed. Tickles with its detail, filigree and stippled texture at once. Magic wine.
95 Points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front (March 2021)

Delivery Information
- 95
2005 Giaconda Estate Vineyard Chardonnay

Beechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$450. 00
Bottle
$5400.00 Dozen

ABV: 13.8%

Closure: Stelvin

Other Reviews....
A typically complex but possibly quite evolved chardonnay with a very developed colour and a smoky, mineral and reductive bouquet of charcuterie, matchstick, honeydew melon and lime. It's unctuous and richly fruited, with deep, lingering flavours of grapefruit, melon and cumquat backed by suggestions of smoked ham and bacon, finishing long and tangy, with lime juice and lemony acids.
95 Points
Jeremy Oliver
The 2005 Chardonnay Estate was barrel fermented with native yeasts in French oak, 50% new, where it remained for 18 months. The wine was bottled unfiltered. Medium gold-colored, it delivers aromas of mineral, spice box, baked apple, poached pear, and tropical notes. Medium to full-bodied, it is layered and rich with intense flavors, superb depth and a very long finish. It will evolve for several years and drink well for a decade.
95 points
Jay Miller - Wine Advocate #173 Oct 2007

Delivery Information
- 93
- 94
2021 Giant Steps Clay Ferment Ocarina Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$64. 99
Bottle
$779.88 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Other Reviews....
From 4 Giant Steps vineyards, fermented in matured in 675L clay eggs produced in Byron Bay. Whole-bunch pressed, wild ferment and kept in clay for 6 months. No filtration and bottled by gravity. A very bright green gold. Aromas of almond meal, freshly grated ginger and white flowers. A little match stick, too. An intriguing palate, which is dry, grippy, even and long. A bit closed, this would be a great food wine and it will be fascinating to see how this evolves and changes over the next few years. Drink by 2028.
93 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion (February 2022)
The 2021 Clay Ferment Chardonnay is a wine that's made in small quantities—and perhaps difficult to get outside of Australia—however, it's an interesting proposition and one that goes some way toward revealing the importance of "subregional" DNA. There is one clay egg of each of the single vineyards, where the wine was vinified separately and then blended together prior to bottling. The eggs behave like oak barrels in terms of their micro-porosity and fermentation kinetics, however they leave no flavor artifact, making it a perfect vessel to understand the individual vineyard sites. This is slightly cloudy in the glass, with low sulfur at bottling, and via the unfined nature, it retains all the good phenolic texture and grip that can make Chardonnay so excellent. This has really good persistence of flavor in the mouth: power from Sexton, green olive and caper brine from Tarraford, savory white miso/from Applejack and pork crackling from Wombat Creek. This all alongside the white orchard fruit, of course. This is a fascinating wine that will titillate the purists to no end.
An interesting side note: The clay eggs are handmade in coastal New South Wales. They're very delicate, so much so that the team brings them to temperature with filtered water prior to filling, so that when they're "loaded up" they don't go into thermal shock and crack. They really are handled like eggs. Drink 2022 - 2029.
94 Points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (June 2022)

Delivery Information
- 95
- 95
- 96
2021 Giant Steps Tarraford Vineyard Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$64. 99
Bottle
$779.88 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Other Reviews....
The warmest site of the 4 Giant Steps single-vineyard chardonnays, but planted on a south-facing slope in Tarrawarra. As with all of them, this was whole-bunch pressed and barrel fermented 15% new French puncheons). A fuller, bright, green gold. Quite restrained with aromas of stone fruits, oatmeal and a little wet rock. I like both the intensity and restraint on the palate and this may, paradoxically, need the longest of the 4 single-vineyard 2021 chardonnays to open up. Drink by 2028.
95 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion (February 2022)
The 2021 Tarraford Vineyard Chardonnay comes from the Tarraford Vineyard—it is the most northerly vineyard in the collection and is planted to the P58 clone, planted in the 1980s. The fruit was originally intended as sparkling base and was being sold to Chandon. The fruit now goes solely toward table wine Chardonnay, and in this case, we are able to see for potential in the glass than merely sparkling base. This is a south-facing vineyard in a warmer area in the Yarra, which brings an attractive combination of streamlined linearity and a fine, mineral, nutty, briney character. In the mouth, the wine cascades across the palate, leaving a trail of white flowers, pink grapefruit and the faintest sense of caper brine through the finish. Very cool. Drink 2022 - 2035.
95+ Points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (June 2022)
I met with Steve Flamsteed and new Giant Steps winemaker Mel Chester last week to taste through the 2021 Single Vineyard releases and wow, what a range of wines. Everything was excellent but this Tarraford was really up and about on the day. I’ll post my chardonnay reviews in order of altitude or ‘meters above sea level’. Tarraford is the lowest of them, and each from there is about 50 metres higher.
Sweet oak into white stonefruit, citrus and apple, grapefruit. Powerful from the outset. Hand picked, whole bunch pressed, full solids for all of the single vineyard releases. A bit of mlf for all of them too. This is in impeccable – not to mention incredible – shape. Controlled. Powerful. Tarraford should be the most rich, for site and aspect, but it’s so taut, almost salty in its savouriness. Cracking wine. The ‘loudest’ of the single vineyards in that it brings the flavour but simultaneously so very, very good. Drink 2023 - 2030+
96 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front (June 2022)
Ripe pear juice on the nose. Much richer than the Applejack and Wombat Creek 2021 bottlings, although there is some citrus acidity on the finish. A little bit of a putty/linseed aroma too. Quite a bit of chewiness on the end. Just a little hard on the finish at this point. Drink 2023 – 2027.
16+ / 20 Points
JancisRobinson.com

Delivery Information
- 97
- 96
- 95
2021 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$64. 99
Bottle
$779.88 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Other Reviews....
Made mainly from WA's Gingin clone and planted in Gruyere on the same grey clay as Applejack. Whole bunches pressed into French puncheons with 20% new oak. Smells tightly wound and concentrated with aromas of ripe peach and nectarine, together with just a hint of lanolin and apple custard. Equally powerful and punchy on the palate. This has more of everything, including sprightly acid and some phenolic grip on the very long, stone-fruit pithy finish. Today, this is my pick of the 4 single-vineyard 2021 chardonnays, but who knows what will come out on top in 5 or even 10 years from now! Drink by 2028.
97 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion (February 2022)
This is made with fruit from the Sexton Vineyard, at 200 meters in altitude (80 meters higher than Tarraford). Within the vineyard, the clones are dominated by Gingin (brought over to Victoria by Phil Sexton), followed by Dijon clones, planted in the 1990s. The 2021 Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay is composed of 60% Gingin. Twenty percent of the parcels went through malolactic fermentation—clone 277 and some of the 96. This is salty as anything—a very good thing in my book—and the sheer intensity of flavor in the mouth is mouthwatering. Preserved lemon and grapefruit pith lace the edges of the mid-palate. Very smart—it has the Yarra precision of acid and streamlined phenolics, but it brings concentration of flavor and thrilling phenolics. Super smart wine. Drink 2022 - 2032.
96 Points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (June 2022)
This seemed ultra-reserved in the context of the Tarraford, which I’d tasted immediately prior.
Citrus here and red apple, with pear, the citrus both pure juice and preserved. Oak spice, and custard powder characters, are so well threaded, ginger nut/biscuit aspects rising through the finish. World apart from the Tarraford; perfect pigeon pair. The longer it sat in the glass the more those complex, juicy, apple-like characters blossomed, marzipan with them, nectarines squeezed with salted lemons. This is a wine of tight, complex power, the fruit pure and commanding, the finish taut but persistent. Drink 2024 - 2030+
95 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front (June 2022)
Complete nose with both minerals and citrus notes plus a hint of apple blossom. Still quite youthful but very promising. Markedly persistent with marked acidity but no shortage of fruit. Not austere but very far from fat. Neat and quite delicate. Fans out on the finish. They must be very pleased with this wine, from a hugely successful vintage. Drink 2022 – 2028.
17 / 20 Points
JancisRobinson.com (May 2022)

Delivery Information
- 94
- 95
2021 Giant Steps Wombat Creek Vineyard Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$69. 99
Bottle
$839.88 Dozen

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Other Reviews....
Not only is Wombat Creek the vineyard with the highest elevation in the collection (100 meters up the hill from Applejack, circa 400 meters elevation), it is also the most southerly. Planted to the I10V1 clone, this is an interesting (understatement) pigeon pair to the Applejack, in that it boasts the same clone and the same winemaking yet is a higher, cooler site on red dirt instead of gray clay. Fruit for the 2021 Wombat Creek Vineyard Chardonnay was picked a full 10 days after Applejack, "and it was just a matter of waiting until the fruit was ready," says Steve Flamsteed (a.k.a. Flamo). "We had no rain events or botrytis stress at all." Approximately half of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. "By the time we got around to picking it, some of the malic acid had respired," Flamo explains. And it goes a long way toward softening the wine, lending it a nutty, savory character. Pork crackling comes to mind, and in combination with the white orchard fruit and taut saline acidity, it gives the wine an extra dimension of complexity and interest. I think this wine needs some time to unfurl and evolve—I'd love to see it again in a year's time... Drink 2022 - 2035
94+ Points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (June 2022)
Vines here are nearly 40 years old. It’s the highest, coolest and most southerly of the single vineyard chardonnay sites.
Great push of musk, fennel and red apple flavour before toasted peach and vanilla characters power through. Incredibly intricate wine, perfumed, powerful, long, textural/grippy, gently creamy, and then when you think it’s finished, a peppery/herbal spray to the aftertaste. You can see the oak on this but it absolutely carries it; of all the 2021 releases it’s the one most in need of extra time for the sake of pure oak integration. But we have another super wine on our hands here. Drink 2024 - 2030+
95 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front (June 2022)
Green and luscious nose with more breadth than the Applejack Chardonnay 2021. Definitely softer than the Applejack, even though the vineyard is higher – a soil effect? Floral notes. It would be easy to drink this without food. Quite long. Absolutely ready with an undertow of sweet lime. Really very fine and appealing. Great balance. Drink 2022 – 2027.
17 / 20 Points
JancisRobinson.com (May 2022)

Delivery Information
- 95
- 95
2017 Heggies Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay

Eden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

$44. 99
Bottle
$539.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2021-2025)

ABV: 12%

Closure: Stelvin

Matured for 16 months in French oak barriques on lees. Brilliant very pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Elevated nectarine and dried honey aromas are intermeshed with biscuity oak, nougat and subtle spicy cashew notes. Mid weighted white peach and nectarine fruits show good flesh with notions of dried honey, spicy nougat, biscuity oak and delicate cashew unwinding on the fresh finish. The gentle creamed tinged aftertaste sees the emergence of subtle roasted almond characters.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 12%

Other Reviews….
It's pleasing to have some shape here. It's still tight, but there's fruit flavour. Splashes of lemon, mandarin peel and a dash of ginger spice. It's delicately floral, too. Oak is seamlessly integrated, with enough funky sulphides to warrant a disco move. Drink by 2028.
95 points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

Delivery Information
- 98
- 97
- 97
- 97
2021 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay

Margaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

$155. 00
Bottle
$1860.00 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2024-2034)

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Firmly standing at the top of the tree of Australian Chardonnays, Leeuwin Estate have turned out yet another spectacular release from the 2021 vintage. Barrel fermented and matured in new French oak barriques with regular lees stirring for a period of 11 months.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a subtle tint of green around the edges and a watery hue. Captivating aromas of white peach, nectarine and dried honey delicately infused with gun flint engulf the nostrils. Biscuity oak, subtle cashew, citrusy nougat and spice notes add a further dimension of complexity. Beautifully shaped, expansive and refined the palate is layered with fleshy white peach and nectarine fruits which overlay a biscuity nougat, subtle dried honey, ginger spice, roast almond and gun flint back drop. Tremendously powerful yet relatively light on its feet it has a fresh silken like feel. Finishes with exceptional length and finesse.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 13.5%
Other Reviews…..
The 2021 Art Series Chardonnay leads with a distinctly floral nose: jasmine and white garden rose, wisteria and lemon blossom. The season was a challenging one in Margaret River, defined by the rainfall, which was constant. The temperatures were modest (not cool, as plenty of rain might suggest),and given that the region is so diverse in terms of distances between vineyard areas, this created quite a patchwork of outcomes for producers. On the palate, the wine is powerful and savory—it leans heavily on exotic dry spice and cracked honeycomb, with hints of salted butter on fresh white bread, beeswax and salted pink grapefruit. Stylistically, it is not dissimilar to the 2017; however, the dovetailing of acid and fruit feels seamless and well matched here. The wine is piercing and structural, tightly coiled and almost rigid, in the best of ways. It's an impressive wine, one that, at this stage of its life, is defined by its penetrating acid line. Sealed under screw cap.
97+ points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
There’s always an anticipation when a new vintage arrives. This doesn’t disappoint – it’s archetypal Art Series: powerful, rich and layered with flavour from stone fruit, pink grapefruit and Meyer lemon to a touch of mandarin. The palate builds with creamy lees, oak spice and some phenolics – the oak is superbly integrated, and pure acidity leads this to a persistent finish. Impressive as always. Drink by 2034.
97 points
Jane Faulkner – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion
I seem to have missed tasting the 2020 LEAS Chardonnay, which is kind of disappointing. It’s a blip in my Leeuwin radar, given I’ve tasted every one of them on release since the 1992 vintage. Anyway, teeth gnashing aside, the bottle seems to be lighter these days, which is very good.
Pear, lime, grapefruit, floral too, with a distinct mint/aniseed top note, backed with discreet spicy cinnamon/ginger oak. It’s fresh and lively, quite saline too, flinty and chalky, a honey ginger drink character in the mix, along with a cucumber coolness and biscuit spices, a whole lot of presence and power here, delivered in a kind of understated, but confident way. The finish is very long, and refreshing. Gee, this is good wine. It ripples through the mouth like a flat white stone pitched across a cool lake. That’s an image for you, and I’ll leave you with that. Drink 2025-2040+
97 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

Delivery Information
- 94
2013 Mandala Compass Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$44. 99
Bottle
$539.88 Dozen

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Screw Cap

Other Reviews....
Completely different style to Mandala's standard chardonnay. This is lean and long with honeysuckle, condensed milk and general lactose characters adding spunk to cool, citrussy, white peach-like fruit. It's refreshing, chalky and slippery smooth at once.
Drink by 2022.
94 points
Campbell Mattinson - James Halliday's Wine Companion

Delivery Information
- 96
- 95
2019 Marchand & Burch Mount Barker Chardonnay

Mount Barker, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

$74. 99
Bottle
$899.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2022-2028)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Bright pale straw colour with a greenish tint to the outskirts and a watery hue. Intense white peach, ripe nectarine, honeycomb and crème brulee scents bound from the glass with spicy nougat and cashew notes also evident. Rich and lusciously textured the palate features a concentrated flavour profile of fleshy white peach, nectarine and dried honey over crème brulee, cashew, nougat and spice. Finishes fresh with a powerful, gently creamed aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews….
Aromas of curry leaf, struck match and yellow peach to start, following through on the palate. The edges of the fruit have a creamy underside, characterised by crushed cashew and white spice. Long and rich, this has quenching acid (no doubt from the elevated vineyards from which this fruit was sourced) and long, unfurling flavours to close. Star anise and wafts of fennel flower. Drink by 2036.
95 points
Erin Larkin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

Delivery Information
2023 Mayer Volcanic Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$54. 99
Bottle
$659.88 Dozen

Closure: Diam Cork

German born Timo Mayer, along with partner Rhonda Ferguson established Mayer in 1999, on the slopes of Mt Toolebewong, between Healesville & Woori Yallock. They produce a small range of hand crafted, single vineyard wines, believing that wines are made in the vineyard and not the winery. All wines are unfined and unfiltered to show the true expression of the vineyard.
Part of a new range started with the 2021 vintage, the fruit for this Chardonnay is purchased from the Lusatia Park vineyard in Woori Yallock, in the volcanic terrains of the Upper Yarra Valley.
This is a lean, refreshing and minerally-driven expression of Chardonnay, more akin to a white Burgundy (Chablis-bound) rather than a rich and buttery Californian counterpart.

Delivery Information
- 95
2023 Mayer Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$54. 99
Bottle
$659.88 Dozen

Closure: Diam Cork

German born Timo Mayer, along with partner Rhonda Ferguson established Mayer in 1999, on the slopes of Mt Toolebewong, between Healesville & Woori Yallock. They produce a small range of hand crafted, single vineyard wines, believing that wines are made in the vineyard and not the winery. All wines are unfined and unfiltered to show the true expression of the vineyard. Vines are often close-planted, winemaking frequently utilises a generous use of whole bunch but most impressive is Timo's cheerful, amusing nature.
Other Reviews....
I like that Timo does his tastings with the red wines first, then into the real deal with white wine.
Fragrant white at just shy of medium weight, licked at by Jura-esque saline and gently sherry-like characters, nutty savouriness amongst a cavalcade of red apple, pretty grapefruit notes and cumquat and light vanilla cream. Beautiful wine, slips over the palate with a gentle slickness before fining up in a powdery dryness mingling with briny minerality. Wonderful expression. Drink: 2024-2030.
95 Points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

Delivery Information
- 93
2021 Mayer Volcanic Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$54. 99
Bottle
$659.88 Dozen

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Diam Cork

Other Reviews....
A new range from Timo Mayer, fruit purchased from the Lusatia Park vineyard in Woori Yallock. Barrel fermented in older 300L hogsheads for 6 months before spending 3 months in stainless steel. Bright green gold. Transparent and restrained, this is gently nutty, with aromas of pink grapefruit and nashi pear. The palate is delicate and long, finishing with a refreshing, green apple acidity. Drink by 2026.
93 Points
Philip Rich - James Halliday's Wine Companion (February 2022)

Delivery Information
- 92
2020 Octtava Chardonnay

Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$42. 99
Bottle
$515.88 Dozen

Minimum 12 bottles

Cellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2022-2026)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Bright straw colour with a watery hue. Rising from the glass are scents of ripe peach, honeycomb and bacon fat followed by hints of spicy butterscotch and crème brulee. Mid weighted with a generous texture, peach and nectarine fruits meld into subtle honeycomb, toasty oak and crème brulee characters. Finishes with good freshness and a lick of spicy butterscotch on the aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%

Delivery Information
- 97
- 93
2015 Penfolds Reserve Bin 15A Chardonnay

Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

$99. 00
Bottle
$1188.00 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Other Reviews….
The 2015 Reserve Bin A Chardonnay from Adelaide Hills has citrusy, grapefruit and white peach notes with an undercurrent of candied ginger, allspice, marmite, struck match and baking bread. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is still very tightly wound at this youthful stage, offering a glimpse at very fine, intense and minerally flavors, finishing with great poise and depth.
93 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

Bin 15, bottle no. AF308. Over the past 10 years this wine has (I suspect) won more gold medals than any other Australian chardonnay (Yattarna isn't entered in shows). Apart from maturation in French oak at 10 degrees C or less, the magic lies in the fruit and ultimately barrel selection, and I can see no reason why this thrilling wine won't add to its medal collection. It has a diamond-like intensity and purity to the fruit flavours, natural acidity and new French oak observers from the wings.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

Delivery Information
- 97
- 95
2022 Pierro Chardonnay

Margaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2023-2031)

ABV: 14%

Closure: Stelvin

Owner and manager of Pierro Estate, Dr Mike Peterkin, has a viticultural pedigree second to none. Besides making one of Margaret Rivers best Chardonnay’s, Mike also produced the first Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend in Australia.
Fermented in French barriques, the wine goes through a full malolactic fermentation which helps achieve superior texture, mouth feel and a more refined, persistent flavour. Lees are stirred fortnightly by hand in barrel over a period of 12 months.
Brilliant pale straw colour with a distinct glimmer of green around the edges and a watery hue. Lifted white peach and nectarine aromas are complexed by biscuity oak, citrus, traces of crème brulee and gun flint. Rich and fleshy textured the beautifully shaped palate features concentrated white peach, nectarine and citrus fruits over elements of dried honey, roasted almonds, biscuity nougat characters, traces of crème brulee and infusions of gun flint. Superb volume combines with immense power to form a fresh and focused yet cream tinged conclusion that’s very long and sophisticated.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%
Other Reviews…..
Wonderful to lift such a lightweight bottle!
Peach, pear and fennel, spiced butter cashews, flinty top note, a little saline with it. Lively acidity and chalky dusty texture, creamy with some tropical accents, and a lime-laced finish of excellent length. Such regal carriage and delivery of bold Chardonnay flavour. Drink 2024-2030+
95 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

Delivery Information
- 94
- Organic
2021 Ravensworth Estate Grainery

Murrumbateman, NSW, AUSTRALIA

$49. 99
Bottle
$599.88 Dozen

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Bryan Martin has been producing thought-provoking wines in Murrumbateman wine country since 2001. Their Estate vineyard is managed sustainably, focusing on soil health, and foregoing synthetic chemicals, herbicides, and fertilisers. Fruit is also sourced for their Regional Series from the surrounding Young, Hilltops & Canberra District regions.
Other Reviews....
Big wood maturation with the varieties marsanne, roussanne, viognier. A thing. Perhaps one of Ravensworth’s best wines each year, or one with highest interest. Cool as.
That puckering texture! It’s a delight. Honey nut cornflakes, green apple, lime, halva, green herbs and pink grapefruit tang through it. That chew is delicious. The wine is fragrant, lots going on, it’s a treat to drink and feels destined for dinner tables, coming alive with food. Drinkability is through the roof and quiet complexity in tow. Drink 2023 - 2030.
94 Points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

Delivery Information
- 97
- 97
- 97
2022 Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay

Piccadilly Valley, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 8 Years (2023-2031)

ABV: 13.8%

Closure: Stelvin

Located in the Piccadilly Valley within the Adelaide Hills region, Brian Croser’s Tiers vineyard was planted in 1979 making it the first in the region. It is perfectly suited to Chardonnay being a closely matched homo-clime of Burgundy, especially the southern end of the Cotes de Beaune where the great wines of Montrachet and Meursault are grown. Fermented in French oak barriques (one third new) the wine was then aged on full lees until December 2022.
Brilliant very pale straw colour with distinct highlights of green around the edges and a watery hue. Beautifully refined and complex the nose offers up intense white peach and ripe nectarine fruits which are complimented by dried honey, biscuity oak, nougat, light cashew and gun flint notes. Layered across the mid weighted palate with great finesse are white peach, citrus and nectarine fruits infused with a flinty minerality. Lively acidity lends a fresh feel with biscuity nougat, cashew and spice elements also chiming in. Precise yet gently creamed in its feel it finishes long with a mineral zing. Should form superbly with extended bottle age.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.8%

Other Reviews….
While the 1.5m Chardonnay sibling is arguably more impressive on release, this is resinous and latent with multitudinous layers of flavour compressed by classy oak and juicy acidity. I like the way the fruit is subdued in a quasi-burgundian fashion, with power packed behind. It will come. And it does. With air. Raw almond, hazelnut, quinine and Japanese radish. The barest hint of stone fruit. A long, saline linger. Give this time, for it is among the country's greats. Drink by 2034.
97 points
Ned Goodwin - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

One of Australia’s most famous Chardonnays, though I fear it got a bit lost for some with the division of Petaluma and the emergence of Tapanappa. For me, this latest Tiers from the Tapanappa team must surely sit with the very best ever released, since the vineyard was planted back in 1979. A cool vintage, the fruit was pressed to tank and then to French oak barriques, 1/3rd new, for two months fermentation. The wine then stayed on lees until December 2022. A limpid lemon colour with flecks of green. It has the refinement of the 1.5 Metres Chardonnay, but an extra level of complexity. Notes of lemon, grapefruit especially, ginger, stonefruit, nuts and spices. Still fresh and with a minerally backing. Very long and surely with a life of a decade plus ahead, this is also utterly seamless and impeccably balanced. Drink 2023-2033.
97 points
Ken Gargett – Winepilot.com

The Tapanappa 2022 Chardonnay Tiers Vineyard is one of Australia's great Chardonnays, and that has never been more apparent than in this 2022 vintage. A superstar wine of grand proportions, the fruit has startling intensity in the mouth. The juicy acidity that weaves all elements of the wine together shows the pedigree of the site up in Piccadilly Valley (planted 1979). The phenolics are finely milled, lithe and ductile. What a wine. It's streamlined, seamless, toasty, so persistent and long, sapid and just so classy. With raw power and open-weave at the back of the palate, drink it now (so many will, and so many will love it). But equally, time will allow this wine to grow and open, and I believe it will be better, even in just a few years. 13.8% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023-2025.
97+ points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

Delivery Information
- 96
- 97
- 95
2022 Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard 1.5m Chardonnay

Piccadilly Valley, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

$56. 99
Bottle
$683.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2023-2029)

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant very pale straw colour with greenish toned edges and a watery hue. Intense white peach and nectarine scents engulf the nostrils with dried honey, hints of grapefruit, well integrated biscuity oak and gun flint lending further complexity. Rich fleshy white peach and nectarine fruits drive the palate with delicate dried honey, biscuity oak, citrusy nougat, roast almond and infusions of gun flint lying underneath. Textural with vivid acidity leading into a long concentrated yet energetic conclusion.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…..
I looked at this over the course of 48 hours, by accident rather than by design, and I much preferred it with a bit of air in it. It’s driven by limey acidity and while its quality is clear from the outset, it really comes into its own once its pear flavours are allowed to reach full voice, and its sweet-spicy oak settles in, and its tinned peach characters reach an equal pitch to the lime-like notes. It’s then a glorious chardonnay, flavoursome and refreshing, long and sophisticated, full of run and yet measured and controlled at the same time. Drink 2024-2031+
95+ points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front

Other Reviews....
From a small area planted 1979, then replanted with Dijon clones on a very close 1.5m spacing, the fruiting wire only 50cm above ground level. The yellow grapefruit is almost painfully intense and mouth-watering, the finish hypnotic. Drink to 2042.
97 points
James Halliday's Top 100 2023

Delivery Information
- 94
- 96
2019 Terre a' Terre Crayeres Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Wrattonbully, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

$42. 99
Bottle
$515.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2020-2022)

ABV: 13.1%

Closure: Cork

Crowned in the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion as the Award Winner in the Sauvignon Blanc category.
Fermented in 600 litre French oak demi muids then aged for 8 months on full lees. Brilliant very pale straw, almost water like colour with a distinctive tinge of green around the outskirts. Pronounced tropical fruit, lime and green apple aromatics are married to fresh herb notes. Filling the mouth are intense passionfruit and spicy green apple fruits which are underpinned by infusions of fresh herbs and slatey mineral characters. Dry brisk finish with a long textured aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13.1%
Other Reviews….
Cold-settled for 2 months, a technique developed by Brian Croser, but rarely duplicated. Fermentation in used 600L demi-muids, then matured on full lees for 8 months. The result is very complex, but the fruit is undaunted, with layers of lemon curd, citrus and a whisper of honey. Drink by 2025.
96 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

Delivery Information
2019 Tyrrell's HVD Old Vines Chardonnay

Hunter Valley, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA

$69. 99
Bottle
$839.88 Dozen

ABV: 12%

Closure: Stelvin

Part of Tyrrell's Sacred Sites wines, which are made only from vines that are more than 100 years old and on their own roots. The 1908 block at the HVD Vineyard was hand picked and basket pressed, with the juice cold settled for four days before fermentation began in stainless steel tanks. The fermenting juice was then transferred to French oak barriques, 30% of which were new. The wine is balanced between primary chardonnay fruit flavours and secondary flavours, derived from the minimal solids ferment and extended yeast lees contact, resulting in this wine’s texture and mouthfeel.

Delivery Information
- 95
2018 Yarra Edge Premium Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$44. 99
Bottle
$539.88 Dozen

Minimum 12 bottles

Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2024-2025)

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Aged for 10 months in 30% new French oak. Brilliant pale straw colour with a faint tinge of green around the edges and a watery hue. The nose features aromas of white peaches, nectarines and dried honey laced with notions of gun flint, biscuity oak and spice. Medium bodied with an elegant creaminess to the mouthfeel, the palate has a refined flavour profile of fleshy white peaches, ripe nectarines and dried honey over subtle cashew, nougat and spice. Excellent length with a long persistent aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years
Alc. 13.5%

Delivery Information
- 97
- 93
- 94
2021 Yeringberg Marsanne Roussanne

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$74. 99
Bottle
$899.88 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

The de Pury family have been farming in the Yarra Valley since 1863. Once a famed vineyard in the 19th century, the demise of fine table wines saw production cease in 1921. Guill & Katherine de Pury decided to replant the vineyard in 1969, gradually starting to rebuild the reputation of this historic estate. Today it is helmed by Sandra de Pury, becoming the fourth-generation winemaker at Yeringberg, with her brother David who manages the vineyard. Produced from some of the oldest vines in the Yarra Valley, the low-yielding vines result in wines of great age-ability and finesse.
Other Reviews….
62/38% marsanne/roussanne from vines planted between 1973 and ’85. The varieties were picked and made separately with blending just before bottling. Both were fermented in tank before being 10 months in seasoned oak. A bright green gold. Year in and year out, this wine delivers the goods. Pure fruited with stone and orchard fruits, orange blossom, fresh ginger and a touch of spice. It's mouth-filling and textured yet super fresh. Finishes long and with a little apricot pith and fresh lime. Excellent.
97 Points
Philip Rich - Halliday's Australian Wine Companion
A mid-weighted iteration of a classic Rhone blend, exuding tatami straw, lanolin, beeswax and glazed quince across a splay of beautifully tuned phenolics, the essence of the structural latticework as much as the punchy freshness. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
93 Points
Ned Goodwin MW - JamesSuckling.com
62% Marsanne and 38% Roussanne. Vines planted 1973-85. The 2 varieties were picked & made separately, blended just before bottling.
Apple, lime, apricot, ginger and honey, chamomile tea and cinnamon. It’s nutty and savoury, white fleshed fruit with a juicy peach and apricot richness, dusty and spicy, a fine chalkiness to it, a real white Rhône mouth-perfume about it, honey and almond, with a long rich and grainy finish. Terrific wine.
94+ Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

Delivery Information
- 95
2021 Yeringberg Viognier

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$44. 99
Bottle
$539.88 Dozen

ABV: 14%

Closure: Stelvin

The de Pury family have been farming in the Yarra Valley since 1863. Once a famed vineyard in the 19th century, the demise of fine table wines saw production cease in 1921. Guill & Katherine de Pury decided to replant the vineyard in 1969, gradually starting to rebuild the reputation of this historic estate. Today it is helmed by Sandra de Pury, becoming the fourth-generation winemaker at Yeringberg, with her brother David who manages the vineyard. Produced from some of the oldest vines in the Yarra Valley, the low-yielding vines result in wines of great age-ability and finesse.
Other Reviews….
Crushed and destemmed with several hours' skin contact and matured for 10 months in large format oak. Bright gold with green tinges. Richer and more opulent than last year's wine but equally compelling. A heady mix of apricots, just ripened mangoes, orange blossom honey and a little freshly grated ginger. Voluptuous, silken textured and with excellent balance on the palate. Finishes focused and long. A hedonistic wine that's probably best enjoyed in its youth.
95 Points
Philip Rich - Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

Delivery Information
- 95
- 94
2019 Yeringberg Chardonnay

Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$69. 99
Bottle
$839.88 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Screw Cap

Other Reviews....
It’s interesting to note, though maybe not particularly noteworthy these days, that three of the (blue chip) treasures of the Yarra Valley – Wantirna Estate, Yeringberg, and Yarra Yering – are made by women.
Stonefruit, biscuit, nuts, honey, grapefruit. Intense and firm acidity through bold flavour of stonefruit and grilled nuts, perhaps some aniseed, tang and zest of citrus, and a long perfumed finish of excellent length. Yum. Minimal artifice and loads of flavour. Excellent. Drink 2021 - 2027.
94 Points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front (November 2021)
Where to start? There's a lot of flavour and depth here. It's not too big, although full of stone fruits and citrus, candied and fresh, with some spicy grilled nuts and a creamy lusciousness. Savouriness, too, with oak neatly in place. The overall impression is a stylish wine. Drink by 2030.
95 Points
Jane Faulkner - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion (February 2021)

Delivery Information
- 91
2021 Alpha Crucis Chardonnay

Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA

$46. 99
Bottle
$563.88 Dozen

Minimum 12 bottles

Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2022-2028)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Matured in a mix of new, second and third use French oak barrels for 11 months. Brilliant pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Aromas of nectarine, pear and bees wax meld into some subtle biscuity oak, citrus and spice notes. Light to medium weight and very elegant in its feel the palate features nectarine and pear fruits over delicate bees wax, biscuit, citrus, cashew and hints of minerality. Finishes dry with lively acidity and a focused yet cream tinged medium length aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13%

Delivery Information
- 97
2019 Apsley Gorge Vineyard Chardonnay

Tasmania, AUSTRALIA

$64. 99
Bottle
$779.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2021-2026)

ABV: 14%

Closure: Stelvin

Established in 1988 this tiny vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir (5.5 hectares) and Chardonnay (1 hectare) and is located several kilometres inland from the coast near the entrance to the Apsley Gorge national Park north-west of Bicheno. The vineyards unique location near the entry to the gorge brings breezes in the afternoon which have a distinct cooling effect. As a result this vineyard is typically one of the last to harvest in Tasmania, usually being around the first week of May.
Always aiming for full phenolic ripeness the style of wines produced are rich and intense characterised by fully ripe fruit made using Burgundian know-how with texture, finesse and excellent natural acidity. Only a small percentage of new oak is used.

From a warmer year, this superb wine draws comparisons to top flight Californian Chardonnay.

Deep straw in colour with pale gold edges and a watery hue. Soaring out of the glass are hedonistic aromatics of ripe yellow peach, nectarine, honeycomb and lemon butter which are trailed by roasted almond, butterscotch and spicy nougat notes. Rich and opulent in its textural feel, the palate boasts superb concentration and power delivering an expansive flavour profile of luscious peaches, honeycomb, crème brulee and butterscotch. Elements of oily cashew, bacon fat and spice fill out the back half. Fat and heavy but beautifully counterpointed by balanced lively acidity, it finishes fresh yet creamy with a very long and decadent aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14%

Delivery Information
- 96
2018 Apsley Gorge Vineyard Chardonnay

Tasmania, AUSTRALIA

$69. 99
Bottle
$839.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2020-2025)

ABV: 14.8%

Closure: Stelvin

Bright straw colour with a glimmer of green around the edges and a watery hue. Intense ripe peach, apricot and honeycomb scents mix with lemon butter, toast and spice. Exceptionally rich, round and creamy in texture with some heat shading the finish, luscious peach, honeycomb and toast flavours create a mouth filling effect. Elements of crème brulee, light butterscotch, subtle roasted almond and spice sit in the background. Magnificent power and concentration finishing dry with balanced acidity. Long decadently textured aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.8%

Delivery Information
- 96
2017 Apsley Gorge Vineyard Chardonnay

Tasmania, AUSTRALIA

$69. 99
Bottle
$839.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2019-2024)

ABV: 14.1%

Closure: Stelvin

Bright straw colour with greeny pale gold tints to the edges. Intense ripe nectarine aromas combine with pear and honeyed toast notes. Lemon butter, citrusy nougat and spice characters ensue. Rich in both body and flavour, creamy textured ripe nectarine, peach, honey and oily toast characters meld into some roasted almond, citrusy nougat and spice. Excellent depth finishing dry with a lick of fresh acidity and a long richly textured aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.1%

Delivery Information
- 96
- 95
- 94
2021 Bannockburn Chardonnay

Geelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$56. 99
Bottle
$683.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2022-2028)

ABV: 13.4%

Closure: Stelvin

Fruit for this Chardonnay was drawn from three of Bannockburn’s vineyards – Olive Tree Hill (planted in 1976), Winery Block (planted in 1981) and the more recently planted Kelly Lane. The juice was wild fermented in mainly 500-litre French oak hogsheads (20% new), with 70% undergoing malolactic fermentation, the resultant wine then matured for 10 months on lees with no stirring.
Brilliant pale straw colour with distinct highlights of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Nosing offers up a complex aromatic profile of white peaches, dried honey and roasted almonds which are married to citrusy nougat, subtle crème brulee and spice notes. Concentrated white peach, nectarine, dried honey and nougat flavours impart a gentle creaminess whilst notions of roasted almonds, light crème brulee and spice linger in the background. Finishes with ample freshness and a long refined aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.4%
Other Reviews....
Grown on a range of vineyards across the Bannockburn holdings, from 1976 plantings through to the most recent (2016). 20% new oak, with 70% of the final wine going through malo.
Bannockburn chardonnay is never short of flavour and so to this release, though the fresh zing of the finish brings a more modern twist, arguably. Pear, grapefruit, peach, cracked wheat and cedar flavours come strong and convincing, aided by citrus and fennel notes, the latter especially notable on the finish. The flavour of tinned pear here is as strong as it is delicious, it must be noted. This is an excellent release; it’s good for drinking now but it has many years up its sleeve. Drink 2023 - 2030+
94 Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front (April 2022)
Whole-bunch pressed, fermented wild in French hogsheads and puncheons (20% new), 10 months on lees, partial mlf. True to the Bannockburn style which offers both power and finesse. The former is set in structure and solid in body. The latter is all about a world of marvellous fruit and oak flavours: mandarin skin, nectarine, white peach, buttered toast, almond bread, quince paste. It's dense, lifted by a citrusy acidity that is just so cleansing, so right. Drink by 2031.
95 Points
Jeni Port - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion (February 2022)

Delivery Information
- 95
2020 Bannockburn Chardonnay

Geelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$59. 99
Bottle
$719.88 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Screw Cap

Other Reviews....
Employs wild fermentation in French oak hogsheads (20% new) followed by partial mlf. Has the groundwork well in place for a long life ahead, with a solid fruit base of citrus, stone fruits, baked biscuit and just a lick of oak spice. Already revealing good balance and a seamless acidity. Drink 2022 - 2027+
95 Points
Jeni Port - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion (February 2021)

From winemaker Matt Holmes: “Olive Tree Hill vines planted in 1976 and Winery Block (1981), clone likely to be P58. Budburst was in line with long term averages (September) but fruitset was affected by cold and wet conditions during flowering. The 2020 season was one of the coolest on record with a total of 1299 Growing degree days (compared to an average of nearly 1400GDD).”
Straw-coloured but then fresh and pear-like on the palate. Interesting wine, quite distinctive, with flashes of quartz and sweet cedar matched to gun smoke and lemon curd. It has both length and intensity on its side, along with complexity, but perhaps not harmony. It’s not close to ready; it needs time. Drink 2022 - 2027+
93+ Points
Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front (May 2021)

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- 96
2013 Bannockburn Chardonnay

Geelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$49. 99
Bottle
$599.88 Dozen

Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2020-2021)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant straw colour with a faint glimmer of green around the edges and a watery hue. Showing excellent intensity the nose offers up ripe peaches intermixed with honeycomb and biscuity nougat over toasty oak, almonds and spice. Rich and creamy with medium body weight the palate boasts mouth-filling flavours of ripe peaches, honeycomb and citrus with light butterscotch infusions, nougat and spicy cashew also evident on the back palate. Clean dry finish with well balanced acidity. Excellent length concluding with a long ripe peach, honeycomb, nougat, light butterscotch, cashew and spice aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc 13%

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- 96
2012 Bannockburn Chardonnay

Geelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$49. 99
Bottle
$599.88 Dozen

Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2019-2020)

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Bright straw colour with a flicker of green around the outskirts and a pale straw hue. Pronounced aromas of white peaches, honeycomb and cashew are followed by some biscuity oak, butterscotch and spice. Medium bodied, fresh and possessing good richness lively white peach flavours are intermixed with dried honey and cashew wrapped up in a creamy like texture with nuances of bees wax, citrusy nougat and spice following. Clean dry finish. Long aftertaste of dried honey, white peaches, bees wax, cashew and citrusy nougat.
Cellar 4-5 years.
Alc. 12.5%

Other Reviews….
Whole bunch-pressed, transferred without settling to barriques, puncheons and tank for wild yeast fermentation and 2 years maturation on lees. Deep, but bright, yellow; a very complex wine that coasted through its long time in barrel; white peach, fig and pink grapefruit do the talking, not the oak as one might expect; despite its complexity, has an exciting fresh finish. 1000 dozen made. Drink by 2025.
96 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

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- 96
2016 Bannockburn Chardonnay

Geelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$52. 99
Bottle
$635.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2018-2023)

ABV: 14%

Closure: Stelvin

Matured in new French oak puncheons, one third new for 14 months on lees. Brilliant straw colour with a watery hue. Pronounced aromas of peaches and poached pears meld into honeycomb, roasted characters, hints of cashew, nougat and lemon butter. Rich, concentrated and buttery in texture, luscious honeyed peach flavours and a touch of apricot fill the mouth over a back drop of honeycomb, nougat, cashew and spice. The broad, round mid palate counterpointed by balanced acidity on the finish. Outstanding richness and depth with a long honeyed peach, crème brulee, honeycomb, nougat and spicy cashew aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14%

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2019 Bass Phillip Premium Chardonnay

Gippsland, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$105. 00
Bottle
$1260.00 Dozen

ABV: 13.8%

Closure: Cork

Bass Phillip Wines (based in Leongatha) were established by Phillip Jones in 1979, where a small 3.5-hectare vineyard was planted to Pinot Noir. The estate has grown over many years (to 14 hectares) and is now one of the most sought-after producers of premium Pinot Noir & Chardonnay in Australia. There is a big focus on spending many hours in the vineyard, demonstrated by the commitment to practice organics since 1993 and biodynamics since 2002. As of April 2020, Bass Phillip wines have been acquired by Jean-Marie Fourrier (of Domaine Fourrier). In this new phase of growth moving forward, Jean-Marie Fourrier will begin to take an active and primary role in the management of the vineyards and the wine production process as Chief Winemaker of Bass Phillip wines.

Notes from the producer....
Less than one acre, planted since 1979. This section of the vineyard is more than 40 years old today, it has started to deliver complex nuances and has a very long-flavour, lingers cleanly on your palate. Typically, the wine has a fully integrated, complex blend of stone fruits, nuts and soft oak, riding on top of a balanced acidic backbone. It has very good depth and breadth on the palate, some nuttiness alongside the stone fruit flavours. Builds on the finish, complex and thought-provoking. Meant to age 10 years or more.

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2019 Bass Phillip Estate Chardonnay

Gippsland, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$74. 99
Bottle
$899.88 Dozen

ABV: 13.7%

Closure: Cork

Bass Phillip Wines (based in Leongatha) were established by Phillip Jones in 1979, where a small 3.5-hectare vineyard was planted to Pinot Noir. The estate has grown over many years (to 14 hectares) and is now one of the most sought-after producers of premium Pinot Noir & Chardonnay in Australia. There is a big focus on spending many hours in the vineyard, demonstrated by the commitment to practice organics since 1993 and biodynamics since 2002. As of April 2020, Bass Phillip wines have been acquired by Jean-Marie Fourrier (of Domaine Fourrier). In this new phase of growth moving forward, Jean-Marie Fourrier will begin to take an active and primary role in the management of the vineyards and the wine production process as Chief Winemaker of Bass Phillip wines.

Notes from the producer....
This is grown at Leongatha South, South Gippsland, Victoria. Bass Phillip uses close planting, extremely low cropping, no toxic chemicals, & natural winemaking. We respect the forces of nature, driven by the Moon, the Planets, and the Earth. This wine always has intensity, full natural acidity and great length. It will develop over the next eight years plus. Normally Estate chardonnay was matured in approximately 20% new oak. It has aromas of Lifted citrus & stone fruit. Well balanced, vibrant fruit and great acid structure. Subtle notes of toasty oak underlay, creating a well rounded palate.

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- 94
2017 Bass Phillip Premium Chardonnay

Gippsland, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$105. 00
Bottle
$1260.00 Dozen

ABV: 14%

Closure: Cork

Other Reviews....
Flashy and upfront with cooked apples, light toffee, fresh earth and walnuts that follow through to a full body, with layers of ripe and dried fruits, such as apples and apricots, with plenty of oak and intensity. A big, rich and forward style. Drink or hold.
94 Points
JamesSuckling.com (June 2019)

Delivery Information
- 95
2013 Bass Phillip Estate Chardonnay

Gippsland, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$59. 99
Bottle
$719.88 Dozen

Minimum 12 bottles

Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2018-2019)

ABV: 13.7%

Closure: Cork

Brilliant straw colour with a pale straw hue. Intense aromas of citrusy nougat, dried honey and lemon butter overlay some almond, bees wax and spice. Rich and creamy the palate features mouthfilling flavours of peaches and citrus intermixed with dried honey and nougat over a touch of butterscotch and cashew. Bright acidity with a long aftertaste of peaches, citrusy nougat, dried honey, cashew and spice.
Cellar 3-4 years.
Alc 13.7%

Delivery Information
- 93
2015 Bass Phillip Estate Chardonnay

Gippsland, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

$69. 99
Bottle
$839.88 Dozen

Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2022-2023)

ABV: 12.6%

Closure: Cork

Brilliant straw colour with a slight glimmer of green around the edges and a watery hue. Aromas of white peaches draped in dried honey are followed by some light butterscotch, hints of lemon butter and spicy oak. Light and fresh yet with a sense of creaminess to the mouthfeel the palate is elegantly flavoured with white peaches and citrus subtlety overlaid by dried honey. Lemon butter, faint cashew and citrusy nougat ensuing. Clean dry finish. Aftertaste of lemon butter, citrusy nougat, subtle dried honey and cashew.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 12.6%

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