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.

Sitting atop a high hill in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Bimbadgen have been producing quality wines like their Verdelho since 1968. Pineapple and tropical fruits arise on the nose followed by a citrus and troplical palate with lovelly herbal notes on the finish.

Pale straw green in colour. Complex bouquet, nutty and lifted. The palate is fine and deep with a lengthy finish.

The 2017 Chardonnay fruit was handpicked in pristine condition. Lifted bouquet of nectarines and stone fruits with an underlay of toasty spice. Barrel ferment characters add complexity while flavours of citrus and cashew swirl around the palate to give a long flavoursome finish.

The Yarra Valley is one of the heavyweight regions for Australian Chardonnay, with finesse and length of flavour the hallmarks of the regional style. In the glass: Pale lemon green. On the nose: Apple, grapefruit, oatmeal and almond aromas. On the palate: Fine, elegant and poised yet with power and drive and a delicious core of white and yellow fruits. A savoury, almost salty layer adds complexity, velvety texture and racy acidity.

Poured into a glass, this Chardonnay from Hunter Valley displays a bright lemon to lime colour. A swirl of the glass reveals white peach aromas that are enhanced by a gentle touch of cashew nut. As a whiff of the wine is followed by a sip, upfront peach and melon flavours impress you, that are held together by tight acidity. Consume this wonderful white wine within 2 to 3 years from vintage. Pair it with white meat dishes such as chicken and fish preparations.

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.