2024 Moorooduc Estate Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

Appealing and easy-to-drink wine offering enjoyment today. Good, because I don’t like waiting. White nectarine and ginger spice, grapefruit and melon, with subtle lees flavour. The palate is reined in by fresh acidity, and while not complex, it’s a lovely drink.

92 points Janes Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

From the cool maritime vineyards of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Moorooduc Estate has long been recognised as one of the region’s pioneering producers. The estate was established in 1982 by Richard McIntyre, a passionate viticulturist who played a major role in shaping the Peninsula’s modern wine identity. Today the winery is run by Richard together with his son David McIntyre, who continues the family philosophy of low intervention winemaking and estate grown fruit. The vineyards sit on gently undulating slopes influenced by the surrounding ocean, where the cool climate and clay rich soils allow Chardonnay to ripen slowly while maintaining natural acidity and complexity.

The wine shows a pale gold colour with bright clarity. Aromas open with white peach, nectarine and lemon zest layered with hints of grapefruit, roasted hazelnut and subtle oak spice. With time in the glass gentle notes of brioche and almond emerge, adding depth without overwhelming the fruit. The palate is beautifully balanced with flavours of citrus, stone fruit and toasted nuts supported by vibrant acidity and a fine mineral thread. A creamy texture from careful oak maturation leads into a long, refined finish that reflects the elegance of Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay.

It drinks beautifully now and will continue to develop over the next eight to ten years, pairing wonderfully with roast chicken, grilled prawns, seared scallops or rich seafood dishes.