2024 Yering Station Estate Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

Barrel fermented and matured in puncheons (13% new) and a little mlf. Mainly estate grown. A very bright green gold. Quite a step up on the Village Chardonnay at a still very reasonable price. Complex aromas of stone fruits, grilled nuts and a little matchstick. There's good grip to on the nicely intense and well-balanced palate. Finishes pithy and long. I imagine this will age nicely over the short to medium term.

94 points Special Value Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Yering Station Estate Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley is a polished, finely layered and quietly powerful white that reflects the grace and precision of one of the region’s founding wineries. The fruit comes from estate vineyards across both the Upper Yarra and the warmer Valley Floor, giving the wine its beautiful balance of citrus driven tension and ripe stone fruit generosity. Ancient mudstone, gravel and volcanic soils contribute a gentle mineral line, while the cool climate and long ripening season preserve acidity and aromatic lift. Winemaker Brendan Hawker guides the fruit with a light hand: whole bunch pressing, wild fermentation, careful bâtonnage, and maturation in a thoughtful selection of French oak that adds savoury depth without overshadowing the purity of the fruit.

The aromatics are elegant and expressive. Lemon zest, white peach and nectarine form the core, supported by grapefruit pith, pear skin and a soft floral note of jasmine and wattle blossom. Beneath the brightness lies a savoury undercurrent of almond meal, hazelnut, flint and toasted brioche, shaped by time on lees. As the wine opens, hints of chamomile, struck stone, vanilla pod and subtle spice create a layered bouquet that is both refined and quietly luxurious.

On the palate the wine is beautifully composed, gliding between freshness and textural complexity. Citrus and stone fruits stretch across a silken, lees enriched frame, carried by vibrant acidity that keeps the wine focused and energetic. Flavours of lemon curd, white peach, grapefruit and pear evolve into notes of nougat, roasted nuts and cool, mineral edged tension. The oak sits seamlessly in the background, offering shape rather than overt flavour. The finish is long, clean and elegant, with lingering citrus oil, florals and a faint saline lift. A few years in bottle see it develop deeper hazelnut, honeyed and truffle like nuance while maintaining its fine line.

Brilliant with roast chicken, scallops in brown butter, grilled whiting, mushroom and thyme pasta, creamy vegetable gratins, sushi, goat cheese, lightly spiced dishes or simply poured on a quiet evening where its detail can be appreciated.