2022 Ashton Hills Reserve Chardonnay from Piccadilly Valley represents the estate’s top expression, sourced from high-altitude vineyards that deliver exceptional cool-climate precision. The nose is intense yet refined, showing lemon zest, white peach and grapefruit, layered with flint, struck match and subtle hazelnut complexity. Compared to the standard range, this is more focused, mineral and Burgundian in style, with beautifully integrated oak.
On the palate, it is textured, concentrated and highly structured, offering flavours of citrus, stone fruit and a touch of brioche, supported by vibrant acidity and a tight mineral backbone. The wine has a creamy mid-palate from lees ageing, but remains linear and tension-driven, finishing long, precise and saline. This is a Chardonnay that balances power with restraint, very much in line with top modern Australian styles.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is exactly the kind of wine we position as a "premium Australian Burgundy-style Chardonnay". It sits stylistically close to Puligny-Montrachet / Chassagne precision, rather than rich Meursault, making it ideal for customers who want serious Chardonnay without heaviness. A great step up from entry-level Australian Chardonnay and a strong alternative to Burgundy at this price point. Perfect with scallops, lobster, roast chicken or creamy dishes, and capable of ageing 8–12+ years.
