2023 Oakridge "Henk Vineyard" Chardonnay Yarra Valley Victoria

Very linear and mineral-driven aromas of lemon pith, phosphorous, lime leaves and pastry. The palate is medium-bodied with laser-like acidity and underlying tension that will resolve over time. It sits on the edge of reduction and shows the effects of a cool vintage.

The Yarra Valley is the leading contender for Australia’s premier winegrowing region for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The area’s cool maritime climate produces wines of elegance and finesse, and the Oakridge “Henk Vineyard” Chardonnay is a gorgeous example of the lean and focused style of the region. This is one of the coolest winegrowing regions in Australia — cooler even than many in New Zealand or California — and Chardonnay from the Yarra has remarkable tension in the glass, with racy acidity and fresh lemon zest aromatics, which the Oakrdige “Henk Vineyard” clearly exemplifies. This is a single vineyard wine, where the slopes are north-facing – ideal in the Southern Hemisphere for optimal ripeness. The grapes are handpicked and whole bunch pressed directly into 500L neutral French oak puncheons, followed by 14 months on the fine lees. Zesty citrus, Granny Smith apple and blanched almond notes dominate the nose, and brisk acidity carries the wine into a very clean, refreshing finish. Named the Halliday Wine Companion’s Best Value Australian Winery in 2024, Oakridge consistently produces wines with outstanding value, and this wine is very much included. For anyone looking for an unoaked style of Chardonnay, with a focus on vibrant flavors and bright palate feel, this is a winner that really overdelivers at its modest price point. Very delicious now, especially with chilled seafood or soft cheeses, the wine also has the taut structure and density of fruit to hold on for several more years of aging.