Description
Andrew Marks continues to impress with the The Wanderer Upper Yarra Valley Chardonnay, a wine that beautifully reflects the cooler climate vineyard it hails from.
This Chardonnay comes from the same Yellingbo site as his Upper Yarra Pinot Noir, where the cane-pruned I10V1 clone vines thrive in volcanic soils. Andrew's approach to this wine is all about finesse and restraint, allowing the vineyard's unique character to take centre stage.
The grapes were whole-bunch pressed and transferred directly into barrels with full solids, undergoing wild fermentation. This Chardonnay was aged in a mix of old French oak barrels with just a touch of new oak to add complexity, and it remained on lees until bottling, untouched. The result is a Chardonnay with subtle layers of bright citrus, a hint of stone fruit, and a delicate, creamy texture that lingers on the palate.
It's a fine, persistent Chardonnay of incredibly high class. With only 130 dozen made, this limited release speaks quietly but confidently of its origins, offering elegance and depth that will only grow with time.
96 points
"Light yellow colour with a reserved, fruit-driven and laid-back bouquet that brings to mind lemon/citrus, white flowers, and subtle creamy lees nuances. Oak is very much down-played. The palate while delicate and restrained is very intense and poised, with precision and focus and a long, long carry. A smashing chardonnay of its type."
- Huon Hooke (The Real Review)
| Price Bracket | $41 to $50 |
| Type | White |
| Body | Medium Bodied |
| Variety | Chardonnay |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Yarra Valley |
| Australian State | VIC |
| Feature |
High Score |
| Reviewed By |
The Real Review The Wine Front |
| Critic Score |
96 93 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Closure | Cork |
The Wanderer
Andrew Marks in the vineyard The Wanderer
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