Overview

A site-reflective Chardonnay from Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula, combining bright acidity with impressive fruit depth and tightly wound structure. The 2023 release was produced in very small quantities, with just 190 dozen made, and received 95 points from both Halliday Wine Companion and The Wine Front.

Winemaking

All parcels were whole-bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeast on full juice solids in puncheons, with 25% new oak. The wine underwent 100% malolactic fermentation, matured for 10 months and was coarse filtered only. Bottling took place in late December 2023.

Critic Reviews

95/100 — Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
“All the different parcels of chardonnay come together as one, whole-bunch pressed, fermented wild on full juice solids. It went through mlf and is aged in Mercurey puncheons, 25% new. It has latent power; now, it’s a bit nervy, sparking with electrifying acidity. It’s very good. Savoury, a little funky, with layers of nutty, creamy lees, grapefruit/lemon juice and zest. The oak is integrated superbly, and while there’s plenty of flavour, this is tightly wound and will be relaxed by the time it hits the market.”
Tasted 14 February 2024; Published 18 April 2024

95/100 — The Wine Front
Tasted January 2025

Producer

Eldridge Estate is a Mornington Peninsula producer based at Red Hill. The vineyard was established by David and Wendy Lloyd in 1985 and was acquired by Elli and Vicki Tutungi in 2021. Leading Victorian winemaker Steve Flamsteed is credited as winemaker for the estate.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2023
• Producer: Eldridge Estate
• Grape Variety: Chardonnay
• Region: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Production: 190 Dozen
• Pressing: Whole-Bunch Pressed
• Fermentation: Wild Yeast on Full Juice Solids in Puncheons
• Malolactic Fermentation: 100%
• Maturation: 10 Months
• Oak: Puncheons, 25% New Oak
• Filtration: Coarse Filtered Only
• Bottled: Late December 2023
• Drinking Window: 2024–2033