2023 Moorooduc Estate Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

Brioche and smoky notes mix with wet earth and white button mushroom aromas. There's nice flesh to the spine of acidity with flavours of white nectarine, earth and nougat coming to the fore. It's balanced, offering an up-front burst of delicious flavours although it has the structure to warrant a few years in the cellar 15 Sep 2024 Drink 2024–2028

90 points Gabrielle Poy therealreview.com

Moorooduc Estate Chardonnay from the Mornington Peninsula is a beautifully crafted wine that blends texture, elegance, and complexity in true cool-climate fashion. It’s a flagship expression from one of the region’s quiet achievers—an estate that’s remained family-run and quality-focused since its founding in the early 1980s by Dr Richard and Jill McIntyre.

The fruit is sourced from estate vineyards and select local growers, all situated on the Peninsula’s rich volcanic soils and shaped by strong maritime influence. The result is Chardonnay with natural acidity, fine structure, and layered flavour that speaks clearly of place.

Winemaking is led by Richard McIntyre, who takes a minimal intervention approach rooted in old-world techniques. Grapes are whole bunch pressed and wild fermented in French oak barrels, with full malolactic fermentation and extended lees ageing to build complexity and depth. The oak is integrated rather than dominant, adding savoury, toasty undertones without overshadowing the fruit.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of lemon curd, white peach, grilled nuts, and struck match. The palate is rich yet finely detailed with citrus, stone fruit, and subtle spice, carried by a line of taut acidity and a chalky mineral finish.

This is classic Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay—refined, food-friendly, and made with a clear sense of purpose. A natural match for roast chicken, grilled lobster, or a creamy leek tart.