Oakridge Hazeldene Chardonnay 2021

“Despite its complexity, and it’s intensity, this is an easy chardonnay to love. The fruit floods, the oak seduces, the linger of the finish makes it memorable. Grilled peach, toast, hazelnuts, apple and a custard cream aspect have this wine singing across various octaves. It rolls with its own punches. It’s a beauty.” – 95+ Points Campbell Mattinson, Winefront.

“From chardonnay planted with CI10V1 clone at the Hazeldene vineyard at Gladysdale in 2013. Whole-bunch pressed straight to puncheons (less than 20% new) followed by a natural-yeast fermentation and time on lees without stirring. A superb Hazeldene with white peach, wet stone, fresh mint, white flowers and a hint of macadamia nut. Pure fruited, concentrated and beautifully balanced, this will provide a lot of pleasure now and for years to come.” – 96 Points & Special Value Wine Philip Rich for Halliday’s Wine Companion

The quality at this price point is outrageous - $45 is madness for what is in the glass. Race to this, it's a superb Chardonnay. Dripping in class, this is a wonderfully layered and complex wine. Peel off veneers of interest at your leisure - cashews, juicy grapefruit, barbecued nectarines, almond meal and vanilla pod are just a few to get you in the mood. Sleek, polished and basking in the glory of its beaming persona, whipped butter rises up late with a lemony tang before the grapefruit swings back into action for the final word. Its shape and presence ooze star power - a glorious wine in every way.  Drink to eight years.  95/100."  Steve Leszczynsk.  qwinereviews.com