2025 Pike & Joyce Sirocco Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

Cool and clean with a good swish of concentration. Peaches and cream, vanilla bean, clove, some ozone and slate notes, a little less concentration than expected but with good freshness and persistence on hand. Neat and tidy as an expression, quite simple, chardonnay 101 with a little extra under the hood.

92 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

From the elevated slopes of Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills, Pike & Joyce has become known for producing vibrant cool climate wines that reflect the freshness of the region. The winery was established through a partnership between the Joyce family and Andrew Pike, whose family has a long history of winemaking in South Australia. The Lenswood vineyard sits at altitude where cool nights and a long growing season allow Chardonnay to develop bright fruit flavours while retaining crisp natural acidity. The Sirocco Chardonnay takes its name from the warm Mediterranean wind and represents a lively and approachable expression of the estate’s cool climate fruit.

The wine shows a pale straw colour with bright green highlights. Aromas open with white peach, nectarine and lemon zest layered with hints of grapefruit and subtle stone fruit notes. As the wine evolves in the glass gentle touches of almond and light spice appear. The palate is fresh and beautifully balanced with flavours of citrus, peach and crisp apple supported by lively acidity and a smooth texture. The finish is clean and refreshing with a delicate mineral edge that reflects the cool Adelaide Hills vineyards.

This style of Chardonnay is particularly enjoyable with grilled prawns, roast chicken, fresh seafood or light pasta dishes where the wine’s freshness and citrus lift complement the food.