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.

Franco DAnna is an absolue perfectionist from vineyard to bottle. This is a fantastic example of rich, powerful Chardonnay.In the glass: Pale lemon.On the nose: Ruby grapefruit, apple, peach and cashew. On the palate: Powerful and layered with a solid core of white and yellow fruit, nutty complexity, creamy texture, a subtle salty hint, racy acidity and lovely savoury oak support.

Racy and elegant with stunning purity; its mixed citrus and white floral notes combine brilliantly with a smoky edge to the fruit. Theres serious intensity and structure driving through the wines pulpy core. The balance, extract and length are all class.

HARTFORD WINES Hartford Court Sevens Bench Chardonnay, Carneros