2023 Pepper Tree Venus Block Chardonnay, Orange

Estate fruit from the Boree Lane site in Orange at 810m above sea level. Matured in French oak puncheons for 5 months. Like sliding into freshly washed silk sheets, the Venus Block has you questioning, how much is too much of a good thing? It's loaded with grapefruit segments, white peach and marshmallow fluff. A trifle of whipped cream and soaked vanilla biscotti, just when you think you’ve had too much. The Orange elevation provides ample acidity to keep the flavours steadily climbing, up up up. Nougat, almond praline and pistachio. It's got so much swagger, I suggest you lean in.

95 points Shanteh Wale for Halliday Wine Companion

Orange continues to emerge as one of Australia’s most exciting cool climate regions for Chardonnay, with high altitude vineyards delivering wines of impressive intensity and freshness. Pepper Tree’s Venus Block Chardonnay comes from carefully selected elevated sites where volcanic soils, cold nights and long ripening conditions help shape a style that balances richness with precision. Pepper Tree has quietly built a reputation for consistently overdelivering across its range, and this single vineyard release shows just how serious their Chardonnay program has become.

The 2023 vintage is layered, vibrant and beautifully composed. White peach, nectarine and grapefruit aromas rise from the glass alongside hints of struck flint, roasted cashew and subtle vanilla spice. There is a lovely interplay between creamy texture and bright citrus acidity, giving the wine both generosity and energy. Careful oak maturation and lees work add complexity and depth without overwhelming the fruit, while the volcanic soils contribute a fine mineral line that keeps the palate taut and focused through a long savoury finish.

This is a Chardonnay built for the table. Roast chicken with tarragon, grilled lobster with lemon butter or creamy mushroom risotto would all be sensational pairings. It would also shine beside pork cutlets with apple and sage or fresh crab pasta on a cool evening. Given a little air, the wine keeps revealing more layers of citrus oil, spice and smoky mineral detail, making it equally enjoyable now or over the next 6 to 10 years in the cellar.