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.

Floral fruit in youth, moving towards biscuity characters with age. A generally softer bodied palate with smoother acids than the Vat 1 and Belford Semillons.

A different expression altogether sans the benefit of bottle age. Youthful. Zesty. Punchy. As filigreed of talcy acidity and fine boned as the rest of the crew, this is guava, lemon grass and sherbet, teeming along a line of candied citrus chew. The wine will blossom in the medium term, but will not shy away from some aged furrows and complexity. Alcohol: 12%. Closure: screwcap. Date tasted: Jan 2018. Drink by: 2029. Price: $35. Rating: 94/100.

Spectacular Chardonnay from the Hunter Valley. A medium bodied style Chardonnay, displays hints of green apple, guava and lemon, with balanced acidity and a long finish. Matured for 3 months on new and season French Oak.

Spectacular Chardonnay from the Hunter Valley. A medium bodied style Chardonnay, displays hints of green apple, guava and lemon, with balanced acidity and a long finish. Matured for 3 months on new and season French Oak.

This Semillon from a sustainably farmed vineyard in the Hunter Valley region was hand picked from 40 year old Semillon vines. The grapes were then fermented with skins, pressed, and barrel aged for 3 months in old Chardonnay French oak. There was no additions, fining or filtration of the wine when bottled. The result is a textural, juicy wine with a zesty dry finish, with flavours of mandarin marmalade and a hint of lemon.

Aromatics of lemongrass and herbal notes, fermented on skins for textural complexity, with a bright, fresh and balanced palate of juicy tropical fruits. Sourced from a premium Hunter Valley vineyard with 75% of fruit fermented on skins. This wine is textural, fruit forward which has the perfect amount of balance on the palate; a more complex style of Semillon!