Complexity, clarity and precision. This Oakridge 864 Aqueduct Block Henk Vineyard Chardonnay offers plenty to lean into. After the much-discussed ousting of veteran Dave Bicknell, Tim Dexter now holds the reins and he asked me to take a look.
Sourced from the Henk Block in Woori Yallock, this is one of three elite Chardonnays in the Oakridge portfolio.
There’s a little more shape and weight here than its Drive Block Funder & Diamond Vineyard sibling, walking further down the custard powder and brioche road, with cashews adding a delicious nutty thread. Yellow grapefruit and barbecued nectarine bring fruit and citrus detail, while an old-school lemonade tang keeps things lively. Oyster shell notes and a minerally vibe ripple through the core with fine sheets of ginger spice adding layers of intrigue.
The clarity and focus are undeniable, but it’s the way the wine carries itself without losing precision that really impresses.
Excellent Chardonnay, as Oakridge knows how.
96/100
Region: Yarra Valley