2023 Wirra Wirra The 12th Man Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

Whole-bunch pressed to French for native-yeast barrel fermentation. A cool year brings a tightly coiled expression. Oak frames cool ripeness; white peach and nectarine, green apple and lemon oil, with stone fruit kernel, hazelnut and ginger notes complexing. There’s a light-bodied charm to this, a breezy linearity, but the detail is there, and though the fruit is tight now, it should gently swell with time in bottle.

90 points Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

Wirra Wirra The 12th Man Chardonnay from Adelaide Hills is a vibrant and stylish cool climate white that combines purity of fruit with elegant winemaking. Named in homage to the Australian cricket tradition where the 12th man is the trusted reserve player, this wine reflects the same spirit of reliability and quiet excellence—crafted with care and attention to detail by the winemaking team at Wirra Wirra, led by Paul Smith.

Wirra Wirra, long known for its McLaren Vale reds, has expanded its reputation with exceptional whites sourced from the cooler, elevated vineyards of the Adelaide Hills. The fruit for The 12th Man comes from hand selected sites at higher altitudes where cool nights and long ripening periods help to build flavour, preserve acidity, and develop the fine, restrained character that defines the best Hills Chardonnay.

The winemaking process is gentle and focused on expressing site and variety. Whole bunch pressing is used to retain delicacy and texture, followed by fermentation in French oak barrels with a portion undergoing wild fermentation. Some lees stirring and partial malolactic fermentation add layers of complexity and mouthfeel while keeping the wine’s vibrant core intact.

In the glass, The 12th Man Chardonnay shows aromas of white peach, nectarine, lemon curd, and subtle hints of roasted cashew and flint. The palate is lively and textural with bright stone fruit, a fine acid spine, and a mineral edged finish that leaves the wine feeling fresh and long. There is a beautiful balance here between richness and precision.

Perfect with roast chicken, pan seared scallops, or creamy pasta dishes, this Chardonnay is a smart choice for those looking for premium Adelaide Hills character at a very fair price.