2025 Wickhams Road Yarra Valley Chardonnay

We sound like a broken record at this point, but Franco D'Anna owns the entry-level Chardonnay game. The Wickhams Road label is designed to be a little more open and accessible than the main Hoddles Creek Estate line, but it is made with the exact same attention to detail.

This 2025 release is sourced from a specific vineyard in Yarra Junction, just over the hill from the Hoddles home block. The vines here were planted in 1997, giving them enough age to produce fruit with genuine depth.

It is forward and lively, capturing the bright nectarine and citrus energy of the Upper Yarra. While it has plenty of flesh, it never feels heavy. It is just honest, beautifully made Chardonnay that punches well above its weight. If you are looking for a midweek staple, this is it.

94 points
"Last year I had a slight preference for the Wickhams Road Yea Chardonnay, this year it's the Yarra's turn... I'll taste wines from the Yarra twice this price this year and that aren't as good!"
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)

92 points
"It has a juiciness to flavour... Not trying too hard to be anything other than a great drink, is the import."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)