2021 Ocean Eight Aylward Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

Light bright yellow in the glass; a fragrant bouquet with good balance of citrus and spice aromas, fresh and youthful, clean and fruit-driven. It's just starting to show some subtle buttered-toast inflexions. Intense and long on the finish. 23 Jul 2025 Drink 2025–2034

94 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Ocean Eight Aylward Chardonnay is a quietly serious, site driven expression that sits among the most compelling Chardonnays of the Mornington Peninsula. The Aylward Vineyard lies in the heart of the Peninsula, where cool maritime influence, long ripening and iron rich soils combine to produce Chardonnay with depth, tension and fine natural acidity. This is a wine shaped by patience in the vineyard and restraint in the cellar.

Ocean Eight is led by winemaker Mike Aylward, whose philosophy is all about balance, texture and longevity rather than overt power. The Aylward Chardonnay is a flagship wine, sourced from mature vines and made with meticulous attention to detail. Fermentation typically takes place in French oak, often with wild yeast, and the wine spends extended time on lees to build complexity and mouthfeel, while avoiding excess richness.

In the glass, the wine is layered and composed. White peach, nectarine and citrus sit alongside subtle notes of cashew, oatmeal and struck match. There is a saline, mineral edge that reflects the vineyard’s coastal influence and gives the wine clarity and line.

On the palate, Ocean Eight Aylward Chardonnay is powerful yet controlled. Stone fruit and citrus flavours are wrapped in a finely textured palate, supported by bright, integrated acidity that drives the wine through the mid palate and into a long, savoury finish. Oak is perfectly judged, contributing structure and complexity without masking the purity of fruit. The finish lingers with citrus peel, nutty notes and a chalky mineral grip.

This is a Chardonnay built for the table and the cellar. It pairs beautifully with roast poultry, seafood, richer fish dishes or creamy but restrained sauces. While already impressive, it will reward cellaring over ten to fifteen years, gaining further savoury and nutty complexity while retaining its core freshness.

Ocean Eight Aylward Chardonnay is confident, refined and deeply expressive of place. A benchmark Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay that delivers power, precision and long term appeal in equal measure.