Soft easy drinking...not very complex but nice — 3 years ago
Lusatia Park is not a Cuvée used every year by Giant Steps. Oakridge make a good Chardonnay from there. This Pinot had a tawny edge to the mid Ruby Red in colour. Sweet red cherry and red fruits in general with whole bunch influence and great persistence of flavour. — a year ago
Almost identical in profile to Giant Steps. Strawberries and cream on the palate. Smooth with just enough spice and acid to give interest. Not great p/q — 2 years ago
Very nice, — 3 years ago
Last bottle of this very impressive Chardonnay. Still very flinty and burnt match on the nose with a slightly sweeter palate than the last note. That grapefruit in its youth is now more yellow peach. Technical notes - using the P58 clone. All grapes were hand harvested prior to whole bunch pressing to French Oak puncheons - 30% new oak. Malolactic conversion was prevented. Drinking at its peak - made by one of Australia’s leading exponents of Chardonnay In David Bicknell. This is world class! — 5 months ago
We first tasted this at the cellar door in March 2021 and were so impressed I gave this 96 points. See previous Delectable note. Very balanced showing roasted nuts, ripe grapefruit and a little sulphidic funk. Palate a little on the delicate side in this showing. This was following the 11 year old Oakridge 864 Funder and Diamond which was a hard act to follow and had gobs of sulphidic funk/struck match. Will leave the next Shaw + Smith 2019 Chardonnay for a year or 2. — a year ago
Very smooth and delicious — 3 years ago
Paul T- Huntington Beach
Another winner at $25.00
K&L notes as follows,
Oakridge's Single Vineyard wines are renowned for their stunning transparency, allowing the unique characteristics of each vintage to shine through. Among the Chardonnays produced by Oakridge in 2021, the Willowlake stood out as the undisputed star. Situated on a distinctive, 900 ft elevation site in the Upper Yarra, the Willowlake vineyard is planted on red, volcanic soils, wrapping a hilltop with a predominantly northern aspect. This unique location yields Oakridge's most robust expression of Yarra Valley Chardonnay. The aromatic profile of the Willowlake Chardonnay is incredibly striking, beginning with a foundation of stone fruit, complemented by notes of brioche and lemon. As the wine breathes in the glass, a subtle oak character emerges, revealing hints of baking spice. On the palate, a powerful surge of Meyer lemon takes center stage, accented by nuances of mandarin and saline. What makes this wine truly special is its weighted center, balanced by agile outer edges. This duality grounds the core fruit flavors while maintaining a lively dance around the palate's edges. The wine's acidity is perfectly balanced, making its presence known in the mid-palate and persisting through a long, umami-rich finish. This is classic Oakridge - a harmonious blend of power and finesse. The Willowlake Chardonnay is substantial and serious, yet simultaneously refreshing and vibrant. It stands as another testament to the exceptional value of Oakridge's Chardonnay. — 17 days ago