# Vineyard Series Willowlake Chardonnay (2022)

- **Producer:** Oakridge Wines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Victoria, Australia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.8%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lime, peach, blossom, apricot, lemon, cloves, almond, biscuit, burnt match, vanilla, honey, almond

## About this wine

The Oakridge Vineyard Series Willowlake Chardonnay 2022 is a single-vineyard wine from the Yarra Valley, Victoria. It is produced by Oakridge Wines, a winery recognized for its distinctive and age-worthy wines, particularly its Chardonnays. The Willowlake Vineyard features older vines, contributing to the wine's character. The 2022 vintage was characterized by cool, wet weather and low yields, which are noted for enhancing fruit purity and quality. Oakridge Wines is led by Chief Winemaker David Bicknell, whose approach emphasizes purity and balance. The wine represents a single-site expression from the Yarra Valley.

## Interesting facts

- Willowlake Vineyard vines were planted in 1980 and 1982.
- The 2022 vintage saw extremely low grape yields.
- Oakridge was named Australia's #1 winery in 2023.
- The wine is vegan-friendly.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty proteins, while its fruit notes complement seafood and poultry. The mineral undertones can also pair well with earthy ingredients.

## Wine making process

The Oakridge Vineyard Series Willowlake Chardonnay 2022 is produced using whole-bunch pressing, with the juice directed to 500-litre French oak puncheons for natural fermentation. The wine then undergoes maturation for 9-10 months on lees. Approximately 20% of the oak used is new. The 2022 vintage was characterized by cool, wet conditions and low yields, with a late harvest contributing to the wine's acidity. Oakridge Wines' winemaking philosophy emphasizes purity and balance.