2024 The Wanderer Macclesfield Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

From a cool site at around 250m. Barrel fermented and matured in older oak. A light, bright green gold. An elegant expression with its bouquet of subtle stone fruits, pink grapefruit and acacia. This follows onto the gently textured, very even palate. It's tightly wound and will continue to unfurl over the next four to six years, if not longer. Drink to 2032.

95+ points Special Value Philip Rich for Halliday Wine Companion, February 2026

The Wanderer is the negociant project of Andrew Marks of Gembrook Hill.

The Wanderer is about wandering the world, trying to find one’s place in it and remaining adventurous. Mark has indeed wandered the world of wine. Early stints with big names like Penfold and Seppelt proceeded years in France, where he worked vintages with Puligny winemaker Étienne Sauzet and Saint-Aubin based négociant Roux Père et Fils. His longest lasting overseas connection has been with Celler Espelt in Empordà on Cataluña’s Costa Brava.

Leading the family vineyard since 2017, the 2005 established The Wanderer label allows him to explore Yarra Valley beyond Gembrook Hill and to branch out in choices at the winery that would not suit the fruit style of that vineyard – to play and learn.

Incredibly, Andrew also found time to establish the Melbourne Gin Company in 2012. An adventurous, man indeed.