2025 Ten Minutes by Tractor McCutcheon Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

Pale, almost colourless in the glass. Nose is also ultra-reserved, yet to really develop its full bouquet, while the palate is juicy and taut, showing great depth and intensity but also yet to develop its full complexity. It does respond well to time in the glass. Gorgeous fruit-sweetness at its core, and an immensely long and refined aftertaste. A fabulous chardonnay. And will surely show more in another 6-12 months. Drink to 2040.

98 points Huon Hooke for The Real Review, August 2026

McCutcheon is one of Ten Minutes by Tractor's most celebrated vineyards, producing Chardonnay that reflects the remarkable diversity of the Mornington Peninsula with precision and restraint. Under the guidance of head winemaker Imogen Dillon, the estate continues to build on its cult reputation, crafting single vineyard wines that are as distinctive as the sites from which they come.

Planted on the cool slopes of Main Ridge, the McCutcheon Vineyard benefits from maritime breezes, ancient soils and a long growing season that allows Chardonnay to ripen slowly while retaining exceptional freshness. Careful barrel fermentation and extended lees ageing build texture and complexity, allowing the vineyard's mineral character to remain the focal point.

The colour is a brilliant pale gold with youthful green highlights. Aromas of white peach, grapefruit and Meyer lemon are layered with flint, oatmeal and roasted hazelnut. The palate is finely textured and beautifully composed, weaving citrus and stone fruit through creamy lees richness, subtle French oak and a chalky mineral backbone. Bright natural acidity carries the wine to a long, focused finish of purity and finesse.

A superb match for lobster with beurre blanc, roasted scallops, free range chicken with tarragon, mushroom risotto or baked turbot. Enjoy now or cellar confidently for the next ten years as further complexity unfolds.