2024 Geoff Merrill Georgie May Chardonnay, McLaren Vale Coonawarra

It would be fair to say that when looking at McLaren Vale Chardonnay, we are not expecting anything to challenge the best from Burgundy. What we are hoping for, and what we get in spades here, is a wine packed full of flavour. Put simply, this is terrific drinking and will be for the rest of this decade. There is a significant contribution from Coonawarra and the use of oak is largely avoided. Plus, it is excellent value. What is not to like? Pale lemon/yellow in colour, the nose offers an array of aromas weaving through florals, peaches, spices, jasmine, stonefruits, tropical notes and lemon curd. There is bright acidity, good focus and a lingering finish. A fresh and energetic style which will certainly provide plenty of pleasure. Drink 2026 to 2036.

92 points Ken Gargett for Wine Pilot, April 2026

A most attractive value-for-money Chardonnay sourced from McLaren Vale, which provides that fruit richness, and Coonawarra, which gives it that fine acidity. It’s clean, crisp, fruit-driven, with a fine lemony tang to it. Nice sustained palate and eminently drinkable in the short term. Great one for summer drinking.

91 points Ray Jordan for Wine Pilot, April 2026

Geoff Merrill has been making wine at Mount Hurtle in McLaren Vale since 1985. Scott Heidrich has worked alongside Geoff as senior winemaker since 1993, and the style of this wine has remained consistent across every vintage. The Georgie May blends estate grown Chardonnay across South Australia, with Coonawarra contributing the core structure and freshness and McLaren Vale adding fruit weight and generosity. The intention is a fruit driven varietal expression rather than winemaker influence.

Pale straw with youthful green hues, the nose is fresh and inviting with peach, nectarine, jasmine and tropical notes with lemon curd and a floral lift. The palate is clean and energetic with stone fruit, bright acidity and a lingering, crisp finish.

Uncomplicated and very easy to enjoy. Open well chilled as an aperitif, or serve with grilled white fish, a chicken pasta and fresh salads or soft cheese.

Drink now through 2027.