2023 Scotchmans Hill Chardonnay, Bellarine Peninsula

Discreet and reserved, with lovely mineral tension giving aromas of lemon confit, flint, grapefruit, apple blossoms and lime leaves. The palate is medium-bodied, with bright acidity and underlying power that will open with time. A saline touch, with plenty of precision. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

95 points jamessuckling.com

A very bright, deep-ish green gold. A rich and powerful bouquet of ripe peach and apricot together with some attractive orange blossom notes and a little vanillin spice. It's rich in the mouth, but it's also balanced, with a refreshing touch of grip on the long finale. This would handle lobster thermidor or the like with ease!

93 points Philip Rich winecompanion.com.au

Set against the breezy coastal landscapes of the Bellarine Peninsula, Scotchmans Hill has long been a quiet achiever in Australian Chardonnay. Established in the early 1980s by the Browne family, the estate has built its reputation on producing elegant, regionally expressive wines shaped by maritime influence and limestone rich soils. The cool conditions and long ripening seasons of the Bellarine allow Chardonnay to develop flavour slowly while retaining freshness and natural line. The 2023 vintage captures this beautifully, combining modern winemaking precision with the estate’s decades of vineyard knowledge.

Pale straw with a youthful green tint, the wine opens with inviting aromas of white peach, lemon zest and ripe nectarine threaded through hints of cashew, vanilla bean and subtle sea spray minerality. There is a gentle savoury complexity that adds intrigue. The palate feels bright and finely textured, citrus and stone fruit gliding across a creamy mid palate before tightening into a crisp, saline edged finish. Well judged oak brings warmth and spice without overwhelming the fruit, creating a style that feels both approachable and quietly sophisticated.

This is the kind of Chardonnay that suits relaxed coastal lunches or a simple midweek dinner when something fresh and satisfying is called for. Grilled whiting with caper butter, roast chicken with thyme, or pumpkin and ricotta ravioli would all be lovely partners. Drinking beautifully in its vibrant youth yet capable of developing extra nutty nuance and textural depth over the next three to five years. A polished and authentic Bellarine Peninsula Chardonnay that continues the strong legacy of Scotchmans Hill.