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Gary Farr is still one of Victoria's true Chardonnay maestro's and his Chardonnay By Farr is another example. Taken from the original By Farr vineyard, this is a clearly a wine of true clarity and finesse. Flavours of melon and hints of spice with wonderful oak integration mean this wine is simply delicious upon release, but handle some careful medium-term cellaring.

Yarra Yering, well known for their pristine and elegant red wines, also make one of the Yarra Valley's premier Chardonnays. Made solely from the original 1969 plantings, the Yarra Yering Chardonnay is fermented traditionally in open top fermenters and crafted to age in bottle for extended periods. The wine goes through 100% malolactic fermentation which adds complexity and roundness without foregoing natural acidity and structure. Aged in 40% new French oak, this classic white wine combines intense opulence with finesse & textural flintiness.

Simply named from our address at Coldstream, the 864 range is a showcase of highly detailed micro-selections from the most exceptional single vineyard sites in the Yarra Valley. Sourced from the Henk Vineyard, Aqueduct Block. Planted in the red volcanic soils of Woori Yallock in 2008 using the Dijon clone 95. Fermented then matured in French oak barrels (20% new) on its gross lees for 10 months followed by a further six months in tank before bottling. Complex from the outset - struck match, white nectarine, fennel seed, white flowers, lime skin and dried pear. The impression is of it being crystalline and almost floral. The flavours carry over on to the palate with background flecks of mineral, the subtlest notes of toast and vanilla bean. This is taught and linear but with a glassy texture which carries the wine to a long persistent finish. Refined mod-Oz destined for the long haul.

Jayden Ong working with some very fine Chardonnay from the upper Yarra Valley.

The 864 Henk Aqueduct Chardonnay carries complex aromas of struck match, white nectarine, fennel seed, and lime skin. Its palate is crystalline, and floral, with subtle mineral, toast, and vanilla bean nuances. The Aqueduct block, within Henk Vineyard, planted in 2008 on Woori Yallock’s red volcanic soils, is north-facing at 260 metres. The vines of Dijon 95 clone are farmed to yield 4.3 tonnes per hectare. Grapes are hand-picked and sorted before being pressed to French oak (20% new) as whole bunches. After fermentation, the wine rests on lees for 10 months in barrel, followed by 6 months in tank. Representing the pinnacle of winemaking at Oakridge, the 864 range are high-scoring, limited-release, single-block wines that stand out internationally as exceptional varietal examples.

Levantine Hill is located in Victoria’s Yarra Valley and is one of Australia’s most premium wine producers. A family-owned estate comprising two vineyards and a state-of-the-art winery, cellar door and highly awarded restaurant, its wines are handcrafted without compromise by renowned Australian winemaker Paul Bridgeman. With a stated ethos of producing cool climate, delicate and refined wines of uncompromising quality, Levantine Hill has established a world-class reputation, winning many major international awards and the acclaim of leading wine experts.

This wonderful Chardonnay displays an intense bouquet of complex white peach, citrus fruit and minerally undertones. The palate is long, clean and elegant.

Pale straw-green with a super-fine bead. This is very composed and complex, the 6 years on lees producing an array of different notes, some related to fruit others to that extended lees ageing. Sourdough crust, buttery pastry, green apples, toast, candied peel, white pepper and lime leaf all vie for attention. The palate reflects these flavours but also reveals stone fruit notes and a green apple crunchiness. The finish dry and savoury, the lemon-citrus acidity teasing out the length. A complex, refined wine that has depth of flavour, weight, texture and above all freshness.

Zesty grapefruit pith, quince blossom, lemon/lime citrus, intensely aromatic with flinty reduction, talcy minerality, and fine integrated oak. This is a taught and powerful wine with great poise that drives to the finish.