2024 Toolangi Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

A mix of clones. 10% new oak, 20% mlf. Brightly coloured. Aromas of stone fruits, orange blossom and a hint of spice. The palate is flavoursome, balanced and gently saline. An excellent version of this affordably priced wine. Drink now and over the next 3–4 years.

93 points Special Value Phip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Toolangi Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley is a refined, cool-climate white that brings together precision, texture, and site expression in a beautifully balanced package. Toolangi has earned a reputation for single-vineyard wines that showcase the nuances of their estate in Dixons Creek, and this Chardonnay is a textbook example—vibrant, flinty, and deeply expressive of place.

The vineyard sits at the northern end of the Yarra Valley, where clay and silt soils over broken sandstone and a cooler microclimate allow Chardonnay to ripen slowly, preserving acidity while building flavour complexity. 

Grapes are handpicked and whole bunch pressed, then wild fermented in French oak barrels, including a small portion of new oak for subtle spice and structure. Partial malolactic fermentation and extended lees ageing add richness and depth without compromising freshness or drive.

In the glass, it opens with notes of lemon curd, white peach, struck flint, and toasted cashew. The palate is sleek and layered, with citrus and stone fruit at the core, a touch of smoky reduction, and a long saline finish that keeps everything finely tuned and tightly focused.

Toolangi Chardonnay is a serious yet approachable wine that stands comfortably among the best modern Australian Chardonnays. It pairs effortlessly with grilled seafood, roast chicken, or anything rich in umami and texture.