Critic Scores:

• 98 – Huon Hooke, The Reak Review
• 96 – James Halliday Wine Companion 

Sourced from the historic Smith’s Vineyard in Beechworth—planted in 1978 on granite soils—the 2023 Chardonnay exemplifies precision and depth of expression. Huon Hooke awards it 98 points, describing it as “a wine of remarkable refinement and intensity,” a fitting encapsulation of its character.

In the glass, it shows a bright, pale straw hue, unfurling aromas of white peach, grapefruit, and lemon zest, layered with subtle struck flint and discreetly integrated oak.

The palate is taut and mineral-driven, with a crystalline line of acidity carrying flavours of citrus, stone fruit, and saline nuance. Its texture is elegantly concentrated yet poised, building through the mid-palate with clarity before tapering into a long, persistent finish marked by purity and restraint.

This Chardonnay captures both the age and pedigree of the vineyard and the meticulous craftsmanship of Fighting Gully Road, offering a wine of clarity, tension, and enduring elegance.