2025 Wickhams Road Chardonnay, Yarra Valley

Last year I had a slight preference for the Wickhams Road Yea Chardonnay, this year it's the Yarra's turn. Stone fruits and a little matchstick lead onto the light- to medium-bodied and very nicely balanced palate. I'll taste wines from the Yarra twice this price this year and that aren't as good!

94 points Special Value Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Wickhams Road Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley is a refined and modern expression of cool climate Australian Chardonnay, capturing the freshness, balance and subtle complexity that define the region. The fruit is sourced from selected vineyards across the Yarra Valley, including cooler sites where elevation and long growing seasons allow Chardonnay to ripen slowly while retaining natural acidity. Well drained loam and clay based soils contribute to the wine’s line and structure, making it a clean and precise example of contemporary Yarra Valley Chardonnay.

Wickhams Road is the second label of Hoddles Creek Estate, one of the Yarra Valley’s most respected producers, and it benefits directly from the same vineyard knowledge and disciplined winemaking philosophy. The focus here is on varietal purity and drinkability, with careful harvesting, gentle pressing and restrained use of oak. Fermentation and maturation are managed to build texture and complexity without overshadowing the fruit, resulting in a Chardonnay that feels composed and balanced rather than overtly rich.

In the glass the wine shows a pale straw colour with green highlights. Aromas are fresh and inviting, offering white peach, nectarine and citrus zest layered with subtle hints of melon, almond and a gentle flinty note. The palate is medium bodied and finely textured, delivering stone fruit and citrus flavours framed by bright acidity and a clean, mineral driven finish. It is highly food friendly, pairing beautifully with roast chicken, seafood, grilled fish and creamy vegetable dishes. Designed for early enjoyment, it also has the balance to develop over three to five years, gaining gentle nutty and savoury complexity with time.

Wickhams Road Chardonnay is a polished and approachable Yarra Valley white, offering clarity, freshness and regional character at excellent value.