Phi's point of physical intersection is the Shelmerdine's Lusatia Park Vineyard, on the red volcanic soil of the southern side of Victoria's Yarra Valley. The seeds of Phi were sown in 2002, when De Bortoli entered a grape purchase agreement....A very similar approach is taken with the 2005 Chardonnay, the only differences being whole bunch pressing (as opposed to crushing) and the use of a small percentage of new oak. When you taste the wines next to each other the flavour differences (although obvious) are less important than the textural and structural similarities: they share subtlety, elegance and restraint that is more European than Australian (the alcohol of the sauvignon is 13.5%, the chardonnay 13). The motto of these wines must surely be "less is more". James Halliday - Weekend Australian

A complex and restrained wine, exhibiting, pear, mineral and a hint of citrus character on the bouquet; the palate is tightly wound with refined texture, and a delicate use of oak that merely acts as seasoning; long, fine and worthy of serious consideration for ageing. Screwcap. 12% alc. Rating 96 Points; Drink 2018 Release Price $48 Date Tasted Dec 08 James Halliday Wine Companion

PHI Lusatia Park wines are the result of a collaboration between wine industry figures Stephen and Kate Shelmerdine, Steve Webber and Leanne De Bortoli. This stylish chardonnay has a savoury, herby touch to subtle white peach and fig-like fruit, dressed in balanced spicy oak. All is in mellow harmony, and it reveals more complexity as it breathes in the glass. It’s smooth and elegant in the mouth with a powdery-dry finish. 5 Stars Epicure, The Age 

Scoop. You've never heard of PHI before, and as we write, neither has anyone else outside the De Bortoli and Shelmerdine inner circles. You read it here first, and after you taste it you'll never ever forget it. This joint venture wine is sourced from Shelmerdine's Lusatia Park Vineyard high in the north of the Yarra Valley, and made by superstars Steve Webber and Bill Downie at De Bortoli. Never has a union been so seamless.