The is the mid-range in the De Bortoli portfolio, part estate-grown, and part from the Upper Yarra Valley. The oak contribution has been deliberately suppressed in a subtle wine, with very harmonious fruit, oak and acidity; the flavours are ripe without threatening the elegance of the palate, nor obscuring its length. From Yarra Valley, Vic; Drink to 2016 with grilled John Dory; 94 points, $18.99, Screwcap, 13% alc; Halliday’s Top 100 Wines for 2009 – The Weekend Australian November 14-15, 2009

Fruit is selected from both our Estate as well as some premium vineyards in both the lower and upper Yarra Valley. Fruit is harvested in cool conditions. The fruit is pressed gently and the juice is roughly racked to new and used barrels and some tanks for fermentation. The juice is allowed to ferment naturally with ambient yeast. The lees are stirred regularly until December to integrate flavours, after which the various components are racked, blended and bottled.

Light straw with slight green edges. The nose shows hazelnuts, some mineral notes and undertones of citrus. Tight, lean complex citrus fruit with barrel complexity and nutty undertones. Long flavoured palate with excellent balance. 2008 saw timely December and January rainfall followed by warm dry days and cool nights. Harvest dates were earlier than normal.

What a gem from this brilliant Yarra Valley range. The Gulf Station wines over-deliver on quality. This is a beautifully made Chardonnay. Its white peach fruit is carried by clean, fresh acidity and enhanced by the merest touch of oak. Delicate and refined, this is an impressive commercial chardonnay. Fergus McGhie, Canberra Times, August 2009

A BARGAIN for a top-drawer chardonnay from the much-vaunted Yarra Valley. It has delicate aromas of peach and vanilla with hints of crisp fresh pears and is loaded with bright, clean citrusy flavours which dominate the superb, slightly crunchy texture. There is good length and a fine and an elegant acid finish. Widely available. Jeff Collerson, Daily Telegraph, August 2009