2025 Mandala Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

A light, bright green gold. Fruit-driven with aromas of freshly picked orchard fruits, summer flowers and a little vanillin from the well-handled oak. The palate is flavourful and evenly balanced, finishing pithy and long. Good value. Will be even better in six months.

93+ points Special Value Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion

Mandala was founded by Charles Smedley, with vineyards at Dixon’s Creek and Yarra Junction giving the estate access to two quite different corners of the Yarra Valley. That diversity works particularly well for Chardonnay, allowing ripe fruit and texture to be balanced by the freshness that has made the Yarra one of Australia’s great homes for the variety. The style is contemporary and restrained, with fruit and regional character kept well ahead of heavy oak.

The Yarra’s cool climate, long growing season and varied soils are beautifully suited to Chardonnay. Fruit from warmer sites can build stone fruit and generosity, while cooler vineyards contribute citrus, acidity and finesse. The 2025 sits nicely between those worlds, with enough texture to feel substantial but plenty of freshness and drive. It is Chardonnay made for drinking rather than dissecting.

Bright straw with white peach, nectarine and lemon followed by grapefruit and crisp pear. Cashew and fresh almond add savoury detail, with gentle toast and a faint flinty note underneath. The palate is supple and finely textured, carrying stone fruit through the middle before fresh citrus acidity tightens the shape. Lemon peel, almond and subtle mineral notes linger through the clean, savoury finish.

Grilled scallops with sweetcorn and miso would be excellent alongside, while roast snapper with fennel, crab linguine, zucchini flowers with ricotta or charred cauliflower with hazelnuts can take dinner in several directions. There is enough texture for richer food without needing to reach automatically for roast chicken.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2033.