2024 Hesketh Small Batch Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

A cool yet medium-weight expression. Nougat and sweet spices on concentrated lime, green apple and just-ripe pineapple. A little niggling bite of sherbety acidity freaks out the smooth lines of the wine. You get a good hit of chardonnay, the varietal characters speak out, but it's not quite arcing into higher quality territory.

88 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

From the cool slopes of the Adelaide Hills, Hesketh Wines has built a reputation for producing modern, approachable wines that reflect the freshness and elegance of the region. The label was created by the Hesketh family together with winemaker Andrew Wigan, whose long career in Australian wine has shaped the style and direction of the range. The Small Batch Chardonnay draws on fruit from elevated Adelaide Hills vineyards where long growing seasons and cool nights allow the variety to develop vibrant fruit flavours while retaining crisp natural acidity.

The fruit is carefully selected and handled with a light touch in the winery so the purity of the Adelaide Hills character remains the focus. Gentle oak influence adds texture and complexity without dominating the bright fruit profile that defines the wine.

The wine shows a pale straw colour with lively green highlights. Aromas open with white peach, nectarine and lemon zest layered with hints of grapefruit, toasted almond and subtle oak spice. As the wine opens in the glass delicate notes of brioche and citrus blossom begin to appear. The palate is vibrant and well balanced, offering flavours of stone fruit, lemon curd and crisp apple supported by refreshing acidity and a smooth, lightly creamy texture. The finish is clean and persistent with lingering citrus and a gentle savoury edge.

At the table it complements grilled prawns, roast chicken, creamy seafood pasta or buttery fish dishes where the wine’s freshness and subtle richness work beautifully with the flavours.