2025 Bloody Hill Villages Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

Bloody Hill Villages Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley is a bright, textural and quietly complex white driven by the cool slopes of Healesville and the intuitive, detail focused winemaking of Rivar Mayer, son of the legendary Timo Mayer. Although the cuvée sits under the “Villages” banner, it draws from select Upper Yarra parcels planted on volcanic red clays and ancient mudstone, sites that naturally deliver Chardonnay with vivid aromatics, precise acidity and a mineral backbone. The Mayer family have long believed that restraint, purity and texture matter more than weight, and Rivar has carried that philosophy forward with his own distinctive touch.

Fruit is hand picked early in the morning to preserve delicacy. Whole bunch pressing protects clarity. Fermentation happens with wild yeasts in a mix of seasoned French barrels and large puncheons, bringing layered complexity without overt oak imprint. Extended lees contact adds savoury dimension and gentle creaminess while keeping the wine energetic and tightly focused. The style sits beautifully between freshness and finesse, always aiming to speak of place rather than winemaking.

Aromatically, the wine is uplifting and finely etched. Lemon zest, pear and white peach mingle with jasmine, green apple, petrichor after rain and a hint of cashew. As the wine opens, subtle notes of grapefruit rind, almond meal, flint and cool wet stone add depth and quiet sophistication.

The palate moves with ease and precision. Citrus brightness leads into stone fruit succulence, held together by a fine chalk edged texture that reflects the Upper Yarra soils. Flavours of lemon curd, peach skin, nashi pear and light spice unfold in clean, controlled layers. Lees ageing contributes a silken gloss without weight. The finish lingers with citrus, minerality and a gentle savoury echo. Three to five years in bottle will bring hazelnut, honeyed nuance and more layered complexity.

This is superb alongside grilled scallops, whiting and lemon, roast chicken, goat cheese, prawn risotto, creamy vegetable dishes, sushi or pasta with herbs and butter. Serve lightly chilled to highlight detail and drive.