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2023 Oakridge 864 Henk Aqueduct Block Chardonnay
Vivid straw with a slight green edge to the hue. An intense lift of grapefruit and exotic citrus aromas bursts out of the glass. Flecks of flint and nougat complement the exuberant array of fruit on display. Subtle toasted hazelnuts add to the complex set of aromas. On the palate, an explosion of fruit flavours reflects the aromas. Polished white peaches and grapefruit flesh are incredibly vivid. Specks of finger lime add contrast to the succulent experience. A very fluid journey across the palate completes the tactile experience, where not a hair is out of place. A wine where we speak in contradictions – generous yet refined, powerful but elegant.Chief winemaker David Bicknell says: This wine is an icon in the making, made from a specific block identified by the team as having exemplary chardonnay characters. There is always an athletic power to this wine, along with precision and focus. Yet it always feels effortless and refined. A beguiling wine, powerful yet understated and well on its way to Australian chardonnay folklore.
Best enjoyed: Serve this in big glasses, with engaging company and a sophisticated meal – think hibachi-grilled quail (brined) with roasted kipfler potatoes. Start chilled and let the good times roll.
RRP $100 | Drink to 2035 | oakridgewines.com.au | Shop this wine
2024 Oakridge Vineyard Series Henk Chardonnay
Pale straw with a neon hue. Intense aromas of white peach, grapefruit and nectarine jump out of the glass. There is welcome support by subtle creamy, nougat notes and hints of mille-feuille pastry. Flecks of citrus zest and Thai basil contribute to the complex set of aromas. On the palate, it's all about fruit and texture. A pithy entry of freshly cut lime flavours fill the mouth, with just-ripe nectarine and crunchy white peach also present. A refreshing line of acidity drives the wine to great depth, with fruit flavours ever present. An exemplary illustration of modern contemporary Australian chardonnay from the Yarra Valley.Chief winemaker David Bicknell says: This comes from a fantastic vineyard farmed with purpose by the Oakridge team. Handled with care in the winery to best reflect the site and season, and deliver a wine of depth, intrigue and refreshment. Awards for this wine reflect the hard work and attention to detail in the vineyard and winery, together with an unrelenting commitment to quality across the board.
Best enjoyed: Best served with a chill (approx. 10°C) and left to warm up in the glass/bottle on the table to evolve and express nuances with time and temperature change. Pair with banana leaf baked snapper with a salsa verde. Burgundy glasses and good company are a must!
RRP: $48 | Drink to XXXX | oakridgewines.com.au | Shop this wine
2023 Oakridge 864 Funder and Diamond Chardonnay
Bright straw with an electric hue. A zesty lift of makrut lime leaf and pithy citrus leaps from the glass, joined by notes of gunflint, white nectarine and alpine mint. The layers continue to build with notes of grated ginger and wet river stones, while toasted almonds and ginger snap biscuit hint at subtle oak. The palate is bright and crystalline, revealing lemon drops, candied lime, grapefruit pith and white nectarine. Texture and crunch are key. It's tightly coiled and reveals more flavour and texture over time, finishing with remarkable depth and length. A classic 864 Chardonnay release.Chief winemaker David Bicknell says: This comes from an iconic vineyard under tenure by recently crowned viticulturist of the year, Steve Faulkner, and I've now crafted it for 15 years. It's a vineyard and wine that has shaped Australian chardonnay to be one of the world’s great country/variety combinations. One of the most awarded wines in wine show and critic circles; a perfect example of the stars aligning through people and place to create something truly special.
Best enjoyed: Best enjoyed out of magnum or jeroboam over time and contemplation. Gather your friends, family and significant others and let the wine do the talking. Zalto Burgundies for the stemware, serve chilled and allowed to come to temp over time – the best glass will be the last. In terms of pairing, keep it simple and let the wine be the show. Perfect with fresh Angasi oysters with a mignonette.
RRP: $100 | Drink to 2035 | oakridgewines.com.au | Shop this wine
Top image credit: Royal Melbourne Wine Show
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