The project of Nina Stocker and Callie Jemmeson, who collectively have worked in the Yarra Valley, Barolo, Rhone Valley, California, Alentejo, Central Otago and elsewhere. So they should know their way around a winery. Grapes for the label – a pinot noir and this chardonnay – are mainly sourced from the Upper Yarra.

2022 was a great vintage for Chardonnay in the Yarra Valley. Fruit was sourced from three low yielding, premium quality vineyards. The vineyards are predominantly from the upper Yarra Valley due to the cooler micro climate that helps us capture the elegance and finesse of this noble variety. We are focused on allowing the vineyards to express themselves in the resulting wines using traditional winemaking techniques such as small batch fermentation, wild yeast and the delicate use of French oak.

A very low yielding vintage has produced wines of tremendous intensity and varietal purity in the Yarra Valley. After handpicking the wine is whole bunch pressed to oak for wild fermentation before being left undisturbed in oak for 10 months. The aromas are a mix of honey and caramel with a limey sherbet and Granny Smith apple influence. The palate reveals a lemon and curry leaf character which is most engaging while the lively acidity carries it through to a long pleasing finish. Date: June 2023; Drink: 2023-2033; Price: $32.00; Rating: 94 Points; Ray Jordan; WinePilot