2024 Oakridge 864 Henk Aqueduct Block Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

From the highest section at Henk, around 260m. Whole-bunch pressed to 500L French puncheons (20% new). Picked late February, which is a touch earlier than normal. A very bright green gold. With its bouquet of white peach, citrus, grapefruit pith and flint, this is discreet and complex in equal measure. Tightly coiled on entry before fanning out on the palate. I love the gently chewy texture on the back palate. Will cellar effortlessly over the next decade, if not longer. Drink to 2036.

98 points Special Value Philip Rich for Halliday Wine Companion, August 2026

The 2024 864 Aqueduct Block Henk Vineyard Chardonnay is mineral, saline and nutty, and compared to the Funder & Diamond Drive Block, this feels mineral, composed and restrained in its expression. Sleek, polished and chalky, this wine shows immense freshness of acidity and gentle nuttiness of fruit. There is a rainwater-like purity to it. This is very impressive, as usual. It is a beautiful wine. Drink to 2039.

96 points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate, June 2026

Bright light-mid yellow; interesting lemon meringue, spice and tropical flower aromas. A touch of smoky reduction as well, adding to the tapestry of complexity. There's a saltiness as well, and the palate has impressive line and length, intensity and richness. Lots of detail and interest here. Great drinking. Drink to 2039.

96 points Huon Hooke for Halliday Wine Companion, March 2026

The fruit for this wine was selected from the Aqueduct Block of Henk vineyard, a north-facing site situated at 260 meters above sea level. The vineyard was planted in 2008 in the red volcanic soils of Woori Yallock using Dijon clone 95, and it was cropped at 5.4 ton per hectare. All of the grapes were handpicked and sorted prior to whole-bunch pressing, then transferred directly to French oak puncheons for natural fermentation. Twenty percent of the barrels were new. Following fermentation, the wine was matured on its fermentation lees for 10 months in barrel, followed by a further six months on the lees in tank. It was bottled after a single filtration.

About this producer

Oakridge was established in 1978 when Horst Zitzlaff planted the first vines for the estate that was to become one of the Yarra Valley's most trusted voices. Today, the team lead by viticulturist Steve Faulkner looks after a total of 37 hectares of estate and long-term leased vineyards in several locations, while Tim Dexter has managed the team at the winery since 2023.