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.

Yering Station's Yarra Chardonnay displays citrus and subtle cashew notes on the nose with soft minerality and freshness. The palate has great texture and roundness with linear acidity with wonderful length and precision.

Eden Hall Reserve Riesling made from fruit from select rows in block 8 with a south western aspect. It is pale straw yellow showing a lifted, perfumed floral nose with hints of lavender. Steely minerality on the palate with more lemon than lime. A tight, single minded classic Eden Valley Rizza of impecable pedigree smugly basking in its understated nobility.

Ten Minutes by Tractor are true artisans of the Mornington Peninsula wine region, hand-crafting wines of pure terroir. Even with their more affordable range, the 10X wines, the sense of place in the wines is truly discernible. In their Pinot Gris notes of pear, quince and honeyed spice can be found in abundance along with a luscious mouth feel and length of flavour.

The Ten Minutes by Tractor Chardonnay's have become very well known by Chardonnay lovers across the country and from beyond our shores. This 10X Chardonnay is a blend of non-estate Mornington Peninsula vineyards and is a wonderful example of the current trend in Australian Chardonnay having both structure and body. Great value.

Yabby Lake's second label is most impressive; Chardonnay in the modern style - less oak and better acid structure. Textured and classy with matchbox flint, grapefruit and an extremely classy precision.

Clonakilla Riesling is an unsung hero of Tim Kirk's stable of beautiful wines. Herbal with white flowers aromas with citrus and stone fruit bouquet, it has a clean, ripe fruit and zesty finish.

Lush, almost tropical aromas of pineapple, bananas and melon - the palate exhibits steely minerally flavours without being overly acidic. An excellent advertisement for Clare Riesling.