Oakridge Willowlake Chardonnay 2022

The Oakridge range of Vineyard Series Chardonnays (and Pinots, for that matter) should be on every wine lover’s radar. This is a fabulous range, and offers excellent expressions of terroir for those keen to see just how much that concept affects their wines. They are also stonking value. Okay, perhaps not everyday drinking but almost unanimously, they drink better than many wines twice the price. Here, we look at what Willowlake has to offer. A very pale lemon hue. There are lovely aromatics here, especially if you give the wine a little time in the glass. Peaches, lemon meringue, cashews, florals like white jasmine, and a minerally support system. The richness in this wine builds slowly but relentlessly, and there is reliance on a seductive texture. With good focus, fine balance, juicy acidity and impressive length, this is a serious Chardonnay which will provide pleasure for the next six to eight years.