2025 Coates The Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

The Chardonnay from Coates is a single vineyard Adelaide Hills wine that sees a shorter maturation time in barrel (11 months), and lower percentage of new oak than their The Reserve Chardonnay. The fruit is taken in two hand picks: the first one to get a zesty note and taut acidity, the later ones adding mid palate weight and depth.

Natural yeast fermentation with fine solids in new (30%) and second/third use (70%) barriques from the Dargaud & Jaegle, Radoux, Chassin and Nadalie cooperages was followed by aging on lees. Malolatic fermentation was allowed to take place, and the wine also received minimal battonage. Bottled unfined and unfiltered in March 2026. 

Drink 2026-2033 (winery recommendation).

From the cool, elevated pockets of the Adelaide Hills, Coates has quickly built a reputation for small batch wines that lean into purity and site expression. Winemaker Gareth Coates works with carefully selected vineyard parcels, focusing on minimal intervention and letting the fruit speak clearly, with Chardonnay sitting right at the heart of the range.

The Adelaide Hills provides ideal conditions, long, cool ripening seasons, high altitude sites and a natural line of acidity that brings both freshness and structure. The aim here is not power, but detail and balance, capturing that fine edge that great cool climate Chardonnay can deliver.

Pale straw with a bright green hue, the aromatics are precise and layered. White peach and nectarine lead, followed by lemon zest, subtle flint and a gentle cashew note from time on lees. There is a quiet complexity, with oak sitting very much in the background.

The palate is finely drawn, stone fruit and citrus flowing across a textured yet restrained frame. A soft creaminess from lees work adds depth, while a line of crisp acidity keeps everything focused and energetic. There is a subtle mineral thread running through the finish, giving length and a clean, refreshing close.

This style works beautifully with food that balances richness and freshness. Think grilled chicken with lemon and herbs, pan seared scallops, or pork with apple and fennel. It also handles dishes with a bit of spice or aromatic lift, making it a versatile option across the table.

Drinking beautifully now, though it will continue to evolve over five to eight years, building more complexity and texture.

There is a quiet confidence here, a Chardonnay that doesn’t try too hard, instead offering precision, balance and a sense of place that unfolds gently over time.