{"product_id":"2024-heroes-vineyard-otway-hinterland-chardonnay","title":"2024 Heroes Vineyard Otway Hinterland Chardonnay","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is where the Heroes story goes to another level.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne of the coolest and most fascinating viticultural pockets in Victoria.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points – The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points – The R Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOtway Hinterland, Victoria\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRRP $66 a bottle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Chardonnay That Shows Just How Serious Heroes Vineyard Is\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is where the Heroes story goes to another level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2024 Heroes Vineyard Otway Hinterland Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is the flagship Chardonnay from James Thomas' original \u003cstrong\u003e10-acre Heroes Vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e, hidden away near Birregurra in one of the coolest and most fascinating viticultural pockets in Victoria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the reviews tell the story:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points – The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points – The R Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the numbers only tell part of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is Chardonnay from an \u003cstrong\u003eunirrigated, mature vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e, cropped at an incredibly low \u003cstrong\u003e1kg of fruit per vine\u003c\/strong\u003e, whole-bunch pressed, wild fermented and matured for 10 months entirely in second-fill French oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo new oak whatsoever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd only:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 cases made.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's just \u003cstrong\u003e1,080 bottles\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeroes' own technical information confirms the tiny production, 12.9% alcohol and remarkably low yield. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003eRRP $66\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is serious small-production Australian Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e96 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points – Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRich's review captures exactly what makes this wine special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's \u003cstrong\u003ereal fruit intensity\u003c\/strong\u003e here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut there's also enough natural acidity and structure to keep everything beautifully taut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower without heaviness.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture without flabbiness.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOak without obvious oak flavour.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's sophisticated Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e94 Points – The Wine Front\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points – The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat second major review reinforces the point:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't simply an obscure vineyard receiving one big Halliday score.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThere is serious quality here.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e94 Points – The R Review\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd another:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points – The R Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand you have an impressive consensus around the 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Halliday.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Wine Front.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 R Review.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a producer that Halliday itself recently described as having flown under the radar for years, that's a pretty serious set of numbers. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 is beautifully complex and textural, showing layers of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite nectarine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuince\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite peach\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLemon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCitrus rind\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeeswax\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrilled nuts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePine nuts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOyster shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubtle toast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine savoury notes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMineral complexity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine natural acidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong, persistent finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit has genuine presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNectarine and quince\u003c\/strong\u003e form the core, while beeswax and grilled nuts bring a wonderful savoury complexity. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's also a beautifully restrained mineral and saline quality running underneath everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is Chardonnay that's simultaneously:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenerous. Taut. Textural. Savoury. Precise.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd most importantly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInteresting.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Original Heroes Vineyard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeroes produces two distinct ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAnti-Hero wines\u003c\/strong\u003e come from other carefully selected cool-climate vineyards in the Otway Hinterland, Mount Gambier and Henty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the flagship:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeroes Vineyard wines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ecome exclusively from the original \u003cstrong\u003e10-acre Otway Hinterland vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Chardonnay is one of those wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's the vineyard James Thomas discovered in 2016 and believed was special enough to build an entire wine project around. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd today it produces the two flagship Heroes wines:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeroes Vineyard Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeroes Vineyard Pinot Noir.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 Pinot received an extraordinary \u003cstrong\u003e97 Halliday points\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chardonnay received \u003cstrong\u003e96\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's a serious vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUnirrigated – And Tiny Yields\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the things that makes Heroes particularly interesting is the vineyard itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Heroes vineyard is \u003cstrong\u003eunirrigated\u003c\/strong\u003e, and Halliday's Philip Rich notes how impressed James Thomas was by the natural balance of the vines when he first encountered the property. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then look at the yield for this Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 produced only:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1kg of Chardonnay per vine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eequivalent to approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1.2 tonnes per acre.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's tiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor perspective, this isn't a vineyard being pushed for volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vines are producing very small amounts of fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd you can see that concentration in the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHalliday specifically comments on its \u003cstrong\u003eweight and intensity\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSandstone, Siltstone \u0026amp; Sandy Clay\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard's geology is equally fascinating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chardonnay grows in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTertiary sandstone and siltstone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewith:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSandy clay loams\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eover:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighly penetrable clay and weathered sandstone.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat combination, together with the cool climate and tiny yields, gives James Thomas some remarkable raw material to work with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd rather than smothering that fruit with winemaking, he takes a remarkably restrained approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Otway Hinterland – Seriously Cool Wine Country\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard sits in the \u003cstrong\u003eOtway Hinterland near Birregurra\u003c\/strong\u003e, outside the traditional Geelong wine heartland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the climate is fascinating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHalliday's Philip Rich describes Heroes as sitting in the foothills of the Otway National Park, with the area substantially influenced by the surrounding hills and cool conditions. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't the sort of environment where Chardonnay races towards ripeness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit develops slowly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat means flavour can build while natural acidity remains intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd that's exactly what you're seeing in the 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12.9% alcohol.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet plenty of fruit intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's the sweet spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhole-Bunch Pressed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 Chardonnay was harvested on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e7 March 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand then:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhole-bunch pressed.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's a classic fine-Chardonnay technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than crushing the grapes aggressively before pressing, the whole bunches are gently pressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aim is to obtain beautifully fine juice while maintaining:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePurity • Acidity • Texture • Precision\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom there, things become even more interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWild Fermented in French Oak\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe juice was fermented using:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWild yeasts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003edirectly in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrench oak.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's exactly the kind of winemaking I want to see with Chardonnay from a vineyard this interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's no attempt to make the wine clinically neutral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild fermentation can bring additional layers of savouriness and texture, while barrel fermentation helps build complexity through the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut here's the really important part.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eZero New Oak\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis might be my favourite detail about the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chardonnay spends:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10 months in French oak.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNone of it is new.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine is matured entirely in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecond-fill French oak.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's a fascinating decision for a flagship Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany premium Australian Chardonnays rely on expensive new French oak as part of their prestige story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJames Thomas goes the opposite direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo new oak at all.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat means you're not tasting a layer of vanilla, toast and fresh wood sitting on top of the vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead, the barrels help build texture and complexity while allowing the:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNectarine • Quince • Beeswax • Nuts • Acidity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eto remain the stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's confident winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eJust 12.9% Alcohol\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother clue to the quality and style:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e12.9% alcohol.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's beautifully restrained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's enough ripeness to give the wine genuine intensity and palate weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut nothing feels overripe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNothing feels hot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNothing feels heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's another reason the wine has such beautiful energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBottled Without Fining\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe minimal-intervention philosophy continues right through to bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 was:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottled without fining.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgain, the philosophy is straightforward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with great fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandle it carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't overwork it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't over-oak it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't polish away its personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLet the vineyard speak.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOnly 90 Cases Made\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow here's the problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe entire production was:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e90 cases.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's only:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1,080 bottles.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the entire vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeroes confirms that its flagship Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are so limited that they're primarily allocated through the winery mailing list, cellar door and trade. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo when I say this is small production, I mean \u003cstrong\u003egenuinely small production\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't marketing scarcity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere simply isn't much wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eJames Thomas – From Bannockburn \u0026amp; Clyde Park to Heroes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe man behind Heroes is \u003cstrong\u003eJames Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore Heroes, the British-born Thomas worked as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssistant Winemaker – Bannockburn Vineyards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand later:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHead Winemaker – Clyde Park.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's serious experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticularly when you're talking about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2016, Thomas discovered a mature vineyard in the Otways between the Geelong and Henty GIs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was outside an established wine region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut he saw something special in the site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe and his wife Eloise took a long-term lease and renamed the vineyard:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeroes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eafter David Bowie's famous anthem. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNearly a decade later, the decision looks inspired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHalliday's “Unsung Hero”\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe really exciting part is that Heroes appears to be reaching a tipping point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHalliday Wine Companion recently profiled James Thomas under the headline:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Unsung Hero: Why Philip Rich thinks James Thomas' Heroes is one to watch.”\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRich admits he hadn't even heard of Heroes until relatively recently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen he visited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis reaction to the 2024 range?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe was \u003cstrong\u003e“blown away.”\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd look at the results:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Heroes Pinot Noir – 97 Points Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Heroes Chardonnay – 96 Points Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Heroes Dry Riesling – 95+ Points Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Heroes Sauvignon Blanc – 95 Points Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Anti-Hero Yeowarra Hill Pinot Noir – 95+ Points Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Anti-Hero Yeowarra Hill Chardonnay – 94 Points Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2024 Anti-Hero Coola Road Chardonnay – 93+ Points Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's an extraordinary strike rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't one lucky bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeroes is producing serious wine across the board.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHeroes vs Anti-Hero Chardonnay\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the perfect way to understand the range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2024 Heroes Vineyard Chardonnay – RRP $66\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Halliday | 94 Wine Front | 94 R Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal Heroes Vineyard\u003cbr\u003e1kg fruit per vine\u003cbr\u003eWhole-bunch pressed\u003cbr\u003eWild fermented\u003cbr\u003e10 months French oak\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0% new oak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnly 90 cases\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Nectarine • Quince • Beeswax • Grilled Nuts • Fine Acidity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2024 Anti-Hero Yeowarra Hill Chardonnay – RRP $43\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYeowarra Hill Vineyard\u003cbr\u003eWhole-bunch pressed\u003cbr\u003eFrench oak hogsheads\u003cbr\u003e30% new oak\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYellow Fruit • Grilled Walnut • Marine Notes • Salinity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2024 Anti-Hero Coola Road Chardonnay – RRP $37\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93+ Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoola Road Vineyard – Mount Gambier\u003cbr\u003eClay loam + flint over limestone\u003cbr\u003eWhole-bunch pressed\u003cbr\u003eWild fermented\u003cbr\u003e20% new French oak\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStone Fruit • Honeysuckle • Struck Match • Salinity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree Chardonnays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSame winemaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompletely different personalities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThat's a fantastic tasting.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSerious Australian Chardonnay\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAustralia is currently in a golden era for Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether it's \u003cstrong\u003eMargaret River, Tasmania, Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula or Geelong\u003c\/strong\u003e, the quality has never been higher.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd now there's another place worth adding to the conversation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Otway Hinterland.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeroes isn't trying to make massive Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd it isn't chasing the ultra-reductive, razor-thin style either.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sits beautifully in the middle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit intensity. Texture. Savouriness. Acidity. Restraint.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's why it's so compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is serious food Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTry it with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKing George whiting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeared scallops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrilled prawns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLobster\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoast chicken\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePork belly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrilled snapper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMushroom risotto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTruffle pasta\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoast cauliflower\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComté\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGruyère\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'd go straight for \u003cstrong\u003eKing George whiting, scallops or roast chicken\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of nectarine, quince, beeswax, nuts and fine acidity would work beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe around \u003cstrong\u003e10–12°C\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd definitely don't serve it freezing cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGive it a large Chardonnay glass and let it open.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDrinking \u0026amp; Cellaring\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wine Front lists the 2024 with a drinking window of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2027–2031+.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'd be comfortable suggesting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrink now–2033+.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung, you'll see more of the:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhite Nectarine • Quince • Citrus • Acidity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs it develops, expect the:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeeswax • Grilled Nuts • Toast • Savoury Complexity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eto become increasingly prominent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith only 90 cases produced, I'd be buying enough to try one now and hide a few away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis might be the wine that best explains why we're so excited about Heroes Vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLook at what you're getting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points – The Wine Front\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points – The R Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal 10-Acre Heroes Vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnirrigated Vines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnly 1kg Fruit Per Vine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.2 Tonnes Per Acre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSandstone \u0026amp; Siltstone Soils\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhole-Bunch Pressed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWild Fermented\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10 Months French Oak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100% Second-Fill Oak – Zero New Oak\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12.9% Alcohol\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottled Without Fining\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnly 90 Cases Produced\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the RRP?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$66.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a wine produced in quantities this tiny, from an unirrigated single vineyard, with \u003cstrong\u003e96 Halliday and 94 points from both The Wine Front and The R Review\u003c\/strong\u003e, that's seriously compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you love top Australian Chardonnay from \u003cstrong\u003eBannockburn, By Farr, Lethbridge, Bicknell FC, Gembrook Hill, Savaterre or the leading Yarra Valley producers\u003c\/strong\u003e, Heroes deserves a place on your radar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHalliday Wine Companion has already called James Thomas an \u003cstrong\u003e“Unsung Hero”\u003c\/strong\u003e and a producer \u003cstrong\u003e“one to watch.”\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI suspect he won't remain unsung for much longer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Halliday. 94 Wine Front. 94 R Review. Wild fermented. Zero new oak. Only 90 cases made.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe 2024 Heroes Vineyard Otway Hinterland Chardonnay is one of Victoria's most exciting under-the-radar Chardonnays.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"Heroes Vineyard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52443066827054,"sku":null,"price":66.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0950\/5010\/5134\/files\/2024HeroesVineyardOtwayHinterlandChardonnay.png?v=1786932508","url":"https:\/\/liquidvibe.com.au\/products\/2024-heroes-vineyard-otway-hinterland-chardonnay","provider":"liquidvibe.com.au","version":"1.0","type":"link"}