2023 Heggies Reserve Chardonnay, Eden Valley

Light straw in the glass with aromas of bright peach, nectarine, green apple and citrus fruits. Hints of clotted cream, struck flint, soft spice, nougat, white flowers, vanillin and stone. Composed and savoury in shape on the palate with a stony lean, pristine stone fruits, gentle spice and nicely-judged oak. I really like the back end of this wine. There's a real 'sucking on a river pebble' thing going on and a gentle umami ache as it fades off.

94 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

From one of Australia’s highest and coolest commercial vineyards, this Chardonnay captures Eden Valley’s trademark combination of altitude, acidity and fine mineral structure. Heggies Vineyard sits above 500 metres, where cold nights and granite rich soils slow ripening and preserve remarkable natural freshness. The Reserve bottling is a tighter selection from the estate, built to show extra depth and ageing potential while keeping the region’s bright, citrus driven signature intact.

Winemaking focuses on detail and balance. Whole bunch pressing, controlled fermentation and extended lees contact build texture without dulling the wine’s line. Oak is used sparingly and thoughtfully, acting as a frame rather than a flavour. The result is a Chardonnay that feels poised and architectural, driven by energy more than weight.

In the glass it shows pale gold with green highlights. Aromas are precise and layered, opening with lemon zest, white peach and nectarine, followed by cashew, almond meal and a faint flinty note. There is a cool, lifted freshness that reflects the vineyard’s elevation.

The palate is medium bodied and tightly focused, with citrus and stone fruit wrapped in a creamy but disciplined texture. Acidity is bright and linear, carrying flavours long through a mineral finish. Oak sits seamlessly in the background, adding savoury depth without softness. The finish is clean, persistent and mouthwatering.

It pairs beautifully with grilled fish, roast chicken, pork and butter rich seafood dishes. Drinking impressively now with air, it will cellar comfortably for eight to twelve years, developing nutty and toasty complexity while retaining its Eden Valley spine.

This is high altitude Chardonnay at its most composed, crisp, mineral and built for slow evolution.