The 2021 Yarra Valley Crudo Chardonnay comes off the Denton block, a northwest-facing slope of granitic sand over heavy granite boulders. Winemaker Luke Lambert notes the Denton soils and aspect bring a clean acid line and intense freshness to this wine. This was whole-bunch pressed, without any skin contact this year. Otherwise the story, as they say, remains the same: wild yeast fermentation, full malo, old oak, no temperature control, zero fining or filtration, only minimal sulphur at bottling, and large (5,000-litre) French oak foudre for maturation. Superb for the price point, expect a generous dollop of peachy fruit, solid complexity and fabulous freshness on the finish.

2019 Vintage”Comes closed with a DIAM cork, rather than the usual screwcap. Im pretty sure Luke has good reason to do so, given his attention to detail.
Umami as ever, with a saline and nutty, almost sake-like character, but in with that, green apple, lemon zest, spice and a little trademark funk. Raw almonds, in texture as much as flavour, green apple crunch of acidity, chalky texture, a suggestion of ginger, and a long textured, dusty and citrus-laced finish of fine length. Its a wine of unique personality and rare sophistication at its price point, and otherwise.”
94 Points – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, December 2019, Drink: 2019 – 2025+