The aspiration of Oakridge LVS -- or Local Vineyard Series -- wines is to be outstanding expressions of single vineyards within the Yarra Valley. Local Vineyard Series wines enable wine lovers to compare and contrast the power of terroir and geography in winemaking. In essence, different grape varieties thrive in different soils, and Yarra Valley terroirs and altitudes vary widely. Oakridges expertise and understanding of the region allows viticulturists and winemakers to match a particular variety with a particular site -- with marvellous results. Almost all LVS wines are cellarworthy. The Willowlake Vineyard is just outside Gladysdale in Victorias Upper Yarra Valley. Planted in 1979 at an elevation 300 metres, the cool-grown Chardonnay here ranks with the regions very best. Add the skills of leading Chardonnay exponent David Bicknell and these hand-picked grapes become wines that express their variety and origin with consummate precision and flair.

Margaret River makes some of Australias best Chardonnay and while its home to big names, we think Domaine Naturaliste, a smaller operator, is just as great, so were thrilled to share this with you. In the glass: Bright yellow, green highlights. On the nose: Nectarine, pineapple and lime with deluxe barrel notes.On the palate: Velvety with wonderful harmony and oyster shell and sea spray brightness. Lime juice-like acidity drives the intense yet refined fruit core with complex nuances of nougat and struck match.

Josef Chromy Chardonnay is a classic cool climate style, showing notes of melon and granny smith apple, some mid palate creamy richness and taut linear acidity. Fruit is sourced from Josef Chromys estate vineyards in Relbia in Northern Tasmania. The Chardonnay is gently pressed to stainless steel for a cool ferment with full solids retained for fermentation to give richness and texture.

The palate exudes fleshy primary fruits, layered with nutmeal, lemon butter and brioche. A chalky, mineral texture and fresh citrus acidity continues the bounce.

This is the wine that the winemakers at Pierro drink on their day off. They have seen the hand-picked grapes, gently cold pressed and put into mature oak for 10 months to give the wine complexity yet elegant simplicity.

93pt Riesling from vineyards in WA's remote Great Southern. "It's finely scented on the nose, revealing lime cordial, green apple, lemon zest, and wet limestone nuances, followed by a finely flowing palate that's focused and persistent. Splendidly structured by racy acidity, finishing persistent and linear. 93pts" (Sam Kim, Wine Orbit). For Ray Jordan it is "… a slightly riper and more generous style of riesling, especially on the nose, where you pick up more opulent notes of stone fruit and a little honey-like nectar. Yet the palate tightens up as it should, revealing a minerally, spicy character, with citrus tangs building. It has a fine talcy acidity and the flavour and palate are long. It’s a nice wine, especially in the medium term. 91pts". Phil Shilcock and Michelle Gray purchased the former Montgomery’s Hill in October 2017 and launched the Monty’s Leap brand. The mature vineyard (planted in 1996) is planted on the banks of the Kalgan River, 16km northeast of Albany.

Lifted ripe nashi pears, lemon, quince, and melon, lying beneath are notes of freshly grown lavender blossom with hints of sweet baked apple pie crust and cassia bark from the wines time on yeast lees in bottle. A lovely textural palate is evident immediately, showing quince, subtle lime and just caramelized nougat. This Leeuwin Estate Brut Pinot Noir Chardonnay displays a fine bead that threads the acid line into a seductive mouth filling and long palate.

Pears, stone fruit and citrus gives way to a creamy, nutty middle and fresh acidity to close.