2025 Red Claw Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

You’d be happy cracking this open at lunch on the weekend. No fuss, nothing complicated, just an easy-drinking wine. Offering citrus and stone fruit, woodsy warming spices and creamy lees, just enough to coat the palate, with refreshing acidity to close. Drink to 2030.

90 points Jane Faulkner for Halliday Wine Companion, May 2026

Pretty aromas of nectarine, melon, sweet spice, jasmine and nettle. Soft, fleshy, mouth-filling and full of stone fruit and a creamy nuttiness. Long and with decent weight and shape.

90 points Aaron Brasher for The Real Review, March 2026

Red Claw Chardonnay is a bright, elegant, and finely structured cool-climate white from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, made by Yabby Lake. The Red Claw range focuses on expressing the purity and energy of the estate’s fruit in an approachable style, while still showcasing the region’s maritime influence and classic Chardonnay character. Mornington Peninsula has become one of Australia’s leading Chardonnay regions, producing wines with pristine fruit, vibrant acidity, and beautifully integrated oak.

The fruit is sourced from Yabby Lake’s estate vineyards, planted on well-drained sandy loam and clay soils that promote concentration and minerality. The vineyards benefit from the moderating effect of Port Phillip Bay, with warm days and cool nights extending the growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and retain their natural acidity. Grapes are hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed, with the juice fermented in French oak barriques (a portion new) using a mix of wild and cultured yeasts. The wine is then aged on lees with regular stirring to build texture and complexity while maintaining freshness and precision.

In the glass, Red Claw Chardonnay is pale straw with green tinges. The nose is lifted and refined, showing aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, grapefruit zest, and subtle cashew, underpinned by a gentle flinty edge. The palate is medium bodied and beautifully balanced, with juicy stone fruit and citrus flavours supported by crisp acidity, creamy lees texture, and well-integrated oak spice. The finish is long, mineral, and refreshingly clean, reflecting the finesse of the Mornington Peninsula.

This Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with grilled scallops, roast chicken with lemon and thyme, creamy pasta with spring vegetables, or soft cheeses. It’s equally delicious with lightly spiced seafood dishes or chargrilled corn with butter and herbs. Best enjoyed within 5 to 7 years, though its vibrant acidity and fine structure allow for short- to mid-term cellaring.