2023 Hughes + Hughes lees aged Chardonnay, Southern Tasmania

A Coal River Valley-sourced chardonnay that shows aromas of grapefruit, nectarine, guava and melon fruits with hints of crème fraîche, grilled nuts, almond paste, light vanillin oak, stone and wildflowers. Peachy fruit flows more on the palate, along with a light phenolic textural aspect, fine, lacy acidity and daubs of clotted cream on the exit.

93 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Hughes and Hughes Lees Aged Chardonnay from Southern Tasmania is a beautifully detailed and textural cool climate wine that captures the precision, purity and subtle power of the region’s best fruit. The label is the creation of brothers Matthew and Jonathan Hughes, the team behind Mewstone Wines at Flowerpot on the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Their philosophy is simple yet meticulous — minimal intervention, small batch winemaking and a deep respect for vineyard expression. The result is Chardonnay that feels effortlessly elegant, with layers of texture and flavour derived from careful lees ageing rather than heavy oak or manipulation.

The fruit for this Chardonnay is sourced from selected vineyards across southern Tasmania, where the maritime climate provides long, slow ripening and pristine natural acidity. Grapes are hand picked and whole bunch pressed before being wild fermented, partly in stainless steel and partly in seasoned French oak. The wine is aged on its lees for several months, building subtle complexity and creamy texture without losing freshness. This technique allows the fruit and site to speak clearly, while the lees contact adds gentle savoury depth and a whisper of brioche.

In the glass it shines pale straw with green reflections. The aroma opens with lemon zest, white peach and grapefruit, layered with notes of hazelnut, flint and subtle sea spray. On the palate it is sleek and finely balanced, offering citrus and stone fruit flavours supported by bright acidity and a chalky mineral texture. The lees ageing brings creaminess and weight while keeping the finish long, pure and refreshing. It is a wine of quiet confidence and beautiful precision.

This Chardonnay is ideal with Tasmanian scallops, grilled whiting, roast chicken with thyme, or creamy risotto. It also pairs perfectly with soft cheeses such as brie or washed rind styles. Best enjoyed over the next five to seven years, it will develop further richness and toasty complexity with age while retaining its cool climate energy.