The aspiration of Oakridge LVS -- or Local Vineyard Series -- wines is to be outstanding expressions of single vineyards within the Yarra Valley. Local Vineyard Series wines enable wine lovers to compare and contrast the power of terroir and geography in winemaking. In essence, different grape varieties thrive in different soils, and Yarra Valley terroirs and altitudes vary widely. Oakridges expertise and understanding of the region allows viticulturists and winemakers to match a particular variety with a particular site -- with marvellous results. Almost all LVS wines are cellarworthy. The Willowlake Vineyard is just outside Gladysdale in Victorias Upper Yarra Valley. Planted in 1979 at an elevation 300 metres, the cool-grown Chardonnay here ranks with the regions very best. Add the skills of leading Chardonnay exponent David Bicknell and these hand-picked grapes become wines that express their variety and origin with consummate precision and flair.

The Yarra Valley is one of the heavyweight regions for Australian Chardonnay, with finesse and length of flavour the hallmarks of the regional style. In the glass: Pale lemon green. On the nose: Apple, grapefruit, oatmeal and almond aromas. On the palate: Fine, elegant and poised yet with power and drive and a delicious core of white and yellow fruits. A savoury, almost salty layer adds complexity, velvety texture and racy acidity.

Shadowfax Chardonnay is blended from premium cool climate districts of southern Victoria. This Chardonnay crafted by Matt Harrop is elegant and complex with attractive varietal and barrel derived characters.

Powerful and opulent with a flinty backbone to balance the concentrated stone fruit and barrel fermentation complexities.

High-quality wine, nectarine and white peach driving the initial impetus, grapefruit and acidity the finish; controlled barrel ferment oak the clincher.

Hungerford Hill Chardonnay displays citrus aromas with nuances of nectarine, seasoned spicy oak and minerality on the nose. There is complex layers on the palate compose of great length of acidity balanced by nutty French oak flavours and lees characters.

Kevin Cullen was a passionate believer in the quality of Margaret River as a wine region and particularly of its potential to become one of the great areas for both Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Here's his proof! [Biodynamic]

Vibrant aromas of stone fruit lifted by hints of raw almond, vanilla and apricot blossom. Fresh white nectarine and citrus leaf feature on the palate with well integrated barrel ferment character. The mouth feel is fleshy and well balanced with natural acidity persisting into a long finish.