{"product_id":"medhurst-wines-estate-chardonnay-2024","title":"2024 Medhurst Estate Chardonnay | 96 Point Yarra Valley Chardonnay","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🔥 96 POINTS | MEDHURST ESTATE | THIS IS SERIOUSLY GOOD YARRA VALLEY CHARDONNAY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne of the Best-Value Serious Chardonnays in the Yarra Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower without heaviness. Texture without excess. Oak without dominating the fruit.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points – Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eYarra Valley, Victoria\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRRP $55 a bottle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is where \u003cstrong\u003eMedhurst seriously over-delivers\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2024 Medhurst Estate Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e received an outstanding \u003cstrong\u003e96 points from Halliday Wine Companion\u003c\/strong\u003e, putting it firmly into premium Australian Chardonnay territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the RRP is only \u003cstrong\u003e$55\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's the remarkable part.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is estate-grown Chardonnay from Medhurst's vineyard at \u003cstrong\u003eGruyere\u003c\/strong\u003e, hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed and matured for around 10 months in French oak. Medhurst's technical notes describe a wine combining concentrated fruit, bright natural acidity, chalky minerality and subtle oak spice. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a Chardonnay that delivers genuine Yarra Valley pedigree without the $100+ price tag, \u003cstrong\u003ethis should be very high on the list\u003c\/strong\u003e.\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\u003eThat's a huge result at this price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat combination of \u003cstrong\u003e96 points + $55 RRP\u003c\/strong\u003e makes this one of the most compelling Chardonnays in the Medhurst portfolio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 is beautifully expressive, with layers of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite peach\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow grapefruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeyer lemon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLemon zest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuince blossom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLemon balm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubtle spice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChalk and minerals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine French oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aromatics are delicate rather than explosive, with flowers, citrus and spice leading into a palate with considerably more power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's \u003cstrong\u003econcentrated fruit and real weight through the middle\u003c\/strong\u003e, but a fine line of acidity keeps everything fresh and energetic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen comes the texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrunchy white peach and grapefruit are wrapped around a \u003cstrong\u003ebeautiful chalky mineral line\u003c\/strong\u003e, with subtle oak spice sitting quietly in the background. The finish is plush, driven and long. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower without heaviness.\u003cbr\u003eTexture without excess.\u003cbr\u003eOak without dominating the fruit.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's serious Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEstate-Grown Chardonnay from Gruyere\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedhurst's Estate range is designed as a \u003cstrong\u003epure expression of the estate's site and season\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard sits at \u003cstrong\u003eGruyere on the western side of the Warramate Ranges\u003c\/strong\u003e, with elevations ranging from approximately 130 to 220 metres. Medhurst's vineyard was established in 2000 and planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the 2024 Estate Chardonnay, Medhurst selected a combination of \u003cstrong\u003eMendoza and I10V1 Chardonnay clones\u003c\/strong\u003e, harvested on February 27 and 28. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's an important distinction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis isn't simply Yarra Valley Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt's estate-grown Chardonnay with a very clear vineyard identity.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSerious Chardonnay Winemaking\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winemaking is exactly what you'd expect from premium Yarra Valley Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit was \u003cstrong\u003ehand-picked\u003c\/strong\u003e, chilled overnight and pressed cold the following morning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 24 hours in tank, the juice was transferred to barrel with solids for primary fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine then underwent \u003cstrong\u003epartial malolactic fermentation\u003c\/strong\u003e before spending around \u003cstrong\u003e10 months in French oak\u003c\/strong\u003e, including new and seasoned barrels, prior to blending and bottling. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHalliday's review records the use of \u003cstrong\u003epuncheons, hogsheads and barriques, with 28% new oak\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat combination gives the wine texture and complexity without burying the fruit underneath oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Fascinating 2024 Vintage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2024 season at Medhurst was anything but straightforward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a relatively dry November, the Yarra Valley experienced an exceptionally wet December and January, with Medhurst recording \u003cstrong\u003e282mm of rainfall across those two months\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen everything changed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFebruary and March were extraordinarily dry, with just \u003cstrong\u003e10mm of rain\u003c\/strong\u003e, while a warm late summer helped push the fruit rapidly towards ripeness. Harvest came early and was completed across the estate in only around two and a half weeks. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Chardonnay, the resulting combination of flavour concentration and acidity has produced a wine with \u003cstrong\u003epower, weight, freshness and drive\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere Does It Sit in the Medhurst Range?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is important because Medhurst produces multiple levels of Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedhurst Yarra Valley Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFresh • Citrus-driven • Vibrant • Accessible\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedhurst Estate Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConcentrated • Mineral • Textural • Complex • 96 Points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedhurst Reserve Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmall-batch • Powerful • Layered • Cellar-worthy • Flagship\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Estate Chardonnay sits right in the sweet spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou're getting serious vineyard expression and premium winemaking without moving into Reserve pricing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd that's why I think \u003cstrong\u003ethe Estate Chardonnay may be one of the smartest buys in the entire Medhurst range\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an outstanding 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\u003eLobster\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeared scallops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKingfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrilled snapper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoast chicken\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrab linguine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMushroom risotto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePork belly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComté or Gruyère\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedhurst specifically recommends \u003cstrong\u003eKing George whiting with tartare and pommes dauphine\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't serve this too cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAround \u003cstrong\u003e12–14°C\u003c\/strong\u003e in a good Chardonnay or Burgundy glass will allow the texture, fruit and oak complexity to open properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCellaring\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is delicious now, but don't underestimate its ability to age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of concentrated fruit, acidity, fine oak and that chalky structural line gives it plenty of potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedhurst suggests drinking now or cellaring until \u003cstrong\u003e2030\u003c\/strong\u003e, while Halliday's assessment also highlights the grip and structure that should help its future development. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrink now–2032.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'd buy enough to do both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrink some young for the vibrant citrus, white peach and mineral energy, then watch the remainder develop more \u003cstrong\u003ehazelnut, toast and savoury complexity\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the sort of wine that makes you question why you need to spend $100+ to drink serious Australian Chardonnay.\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\u003eEstate-grown Yarra Valley fruit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand-picked\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhole-bunch pressed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrench oak maturation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePartial malolactic fermentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRRP $55\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd most importantly, it has the character of genuinely premium Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhite peach. Meyer lemon. Grapefruit. Florals. Chalk. Oak spice. Concentration. Acidity. Length.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere's enough richness for lovers of powerful Chardonnay, but enough acidity and mineral tension for people who prefer a more restrained style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003e$55 RRP\u003c\/strong\u003e, I think the \u003cstrong\u003e2024 Medhurst Estate Chardonnay is one of the sweet spots of the Yarra Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're drinking \u003cstrong\u003eYarra Yering, By Farr, Giant Steps, Oakridge or other serious Yarra Valley Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e, put Medhurst on the list.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Halliday points at $55. This is exactly the kind of Chardonnay that seriously over-delivers.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Medhurst Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52418603450670,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0950\/5010\/5134\/files\/2024MedhurstEstateChardonnay.png?v=1786933635","url":"https:\/\/liquidvibe.com.au\/products\/medhurst-wines-estate-chardonnay-2024","provider":"liquidvibe.com.au","version":"1.0","type":"link"}