2025 Mulline Sutherlands Creek Chardonnay, Geelong

From a 10000-vines-per-ha close-planted vineyard in the Moorabool Valley. Matured in 30% new French puncheons; 20% mlf. Very bright green gold. A step up in intensity yet with lower alcohol than the '24. The result is a complex and pure-fruited bouquet of white nectarine, jasmine and sea spray. Fills out beautifully on the medium-bodied, energetic and structured palate. A terrific wine that will need another six to 12 months to hit its straps but will continue to improve in the bottle for another five to seven years at least. Drink 2026 to 2034.

97+ points Philip Rich for Halliday Wine Companion, Special Value, April 2026

Mulline Vintners has grown quickly into one of the most exciting small producers in Victoria, and a creation of two Bens — winemaker Ben Mullen and business partner Ben Hine, the name a simple blend of their surnames.

Ben Mullen is a Barossa-born winemaker who spent a decade honing his craft across Australia, New Zealand and France before settling in Geelong and launching Mulline with Ben Hine in 2019. Their focus from the outset has been single-vineyard and subregional wines reflecting the distinct characters of Geelong's three subregions.

The Sutherlands Creek Chardonnay comes from a high-density block in the Moorabool Valley — a continental, inland subregion with a history as a former seabed. The grey and brown loams over fragmented granite, combined with the vineyard's extraordinary vine density, naturally limit yields and concentrate flavour with impressive effect. The 2025 was matured in predominantly seasoned French oak puncheons with only 20% malolactic fermentation, preserving the wine's natural acidity and structure while adding gentle textural depth.

The wine is complex and pure-fruited from the first pour. White nectarine, jasmine and a mineral sea-spray quality on the nose, the palate is medium-bodied, energetic and beautifully structured, filling out generously as it opens.

Steamed Murray cod with ginger and spring onion, or roasted chicken with a tarragon cream sauce would both suit the wine's texture and mineral freshness

The 2025 vintage is likely to continue developing in complexity for a further five to seven years.