The 2023 Eldridge Chardonnay is a refined cool-climate Chardonnay from Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula, showing lemon, grapefruit and green apple alongside white peach, citrus zest, creamy lees and subtle nutty notes. The vineyard’s elevated position and volcanic red soils contribute natural freshness and mineral detail, while the wine’s tightly focused structure gives it both depth and precision. Produced in very small quantities, the 2023 release combines impressive fruit concentration with an elegant, restrained style.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied and beautifully textured, with vibrant acidity carrying layers of citrus, orchard fruit and delicate stone fruit. Lemon and grapefruit are complemented by white peach, creamy lees, subtle almond and nutty characters, while fine savoury and mineral notes add tension through the mid-palate. Whole-bunch pressing, wild fermentation on full juice solids, 100% malolactic fermentation and 10 months in French puncheons, including 25% new oak, give the wine texture and complexity while keeping the oak integrated and the fruit at the centre. The finish is dry, long and persistent, with lingering citrus, mineral, savoury and gentle creamy notes.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an excellent choice for Chardonnay drinkers who enjoy precise Mornington Peninsula whites with bright acidity, fine texture and layered complexity. It is already showing impressive depth, but its tightly wound structure and natural freshness give it excellent potential for further bottle development. Best enjoyed over the next 6–10 years. Serve lightly chilled with butter-poached marron, seared scallops with brown butter, roast chicken with morels, grilled turbot with beurre blanc, or mushroom and leek risotto.
