2023 Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

The '23 vintage is a carbon copy of the ’22 in terms of yields – as in low, so again, no single-block chardonnay or pinot noir was made. But similarly, quality is up there. Expect a special wine with its citrus and white nectarine profile, the layers of spice, creamy lees and judicious oak inclusion. The palate is at once flavoursome yet finely tuned with all-important acidity in the lead, keeping this lively and moreish

96 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Yabby Lake, founded in 1998, is widely recognized for producing exceptional single-vineyard wines with a focus on purity, precision, and balance. Under the guidance of chief winemaker Tom Carson, this Chardonnay reflects minimal intervention and careful attention to detail, resulting in a wine of remarkable texture and complexity.

Pale gold in the glass, this Chardonnay is immediately inviting, with aromas of citrus blossom, white peach, and lemon curd, complemented by hints of flint, toasted hazelnut, and subtle oak spice. On the palate, it is vibrant and finely structured, offering flavors of nectarine, green apple, and grapefruit, balanced by fresh acidity and a creamy texture from extended time on lees. A distinct mineral edge runs through the wine, leading to a long, elegant finish with lingering notes of citrus and roasted almonds.

This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seared scallops, roast chicken with lemon and thyme, or grilled white fish with beurre blanc. Its combination of freshness and richness also makes it an excellent match for truffle risotto, soft cheeses like Brie or Comté, and vegetable-based dishes with butter or cream sauces. While drinking beautifully in its youth, this wine has the potential to evolve over the next 8–10 years, gaining further complexity and depth.

Yabby Lake’s Single Vineyard Chardonnay has received widespread acclaim, consistently earning high scores and recognition for its precision and elegance, solidifying its place as one of Australia’s finest examples of cool-climate Chardonnay.