2016 Chandon Vintage Brut, Yarra Valley

2016 Chandon Vintage Brut is a confident, finely detailed Australian sparkling that shows just how well the Yarra Valley handles traditional method wine. The vineyards sit across some of the coolest pockets of the valley, where elevation, cold nights and a long growing season allow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to ripen slowly while retaining natural acidity. The result is fruit with purity, tension and real ageing potential.

Chandon has been part of the Yarra Valley since the mid 1980s, bringing Champagne expertise together with Australian site expression. The vintage program is about selecting the best parcels from a given year and giving them the time they need to develop complexity. The 2016 vintage is widely regarded as an outstanding year in the Yarra Valley, producing wines of balance, intensity and finesse.

In the glass, this is beautifully composed. Citrus, green apple and white stone fruit sit alongside classic autolytic notes of brioche, almond and subtle toast. The mousse is fine and persistent, giving a creamy texture without heaviness. There is a lovely tension through the palate, with bright acidity keeping everything focused and refreshing.

This is a sparkling wine that really comes alive with food. It pairs beautifully with oysters, fried seafood, roast chicken or mushroom based dishes. It is drinking very well now with its layered complexity, but it also has the structure to continue evolving for several more years, gaining deeper savoury and nutty notes while holding onto its freshness. A polished, elegant Australian vintage sparkling that rewards patience as much as celebration.