Oakridge 864 Henk Aqueduct Block 2022

The Wine Animal Verdict: This Chardonnay is a creature of refined elegance and focused energy, reflecting the specific terroir of the Henk Aqueduct Block within the Yarra Valley. It's not a boisterous beast, but a sleek leopard, its movements precise and its gaze unwavering. This wine speaks of its single-vineyard origin with a harmonious blend of citrus, stone fruit, and a captivating minerality.

What's in the Cage: The Oakridge 864 range represents the pinnacle of their single-vineyard expressions. The Henk Aqueduct Block is a specific site within the Yarra Valley, known for producing Chardonnay with distinct character. Expect meticulous winemaking, likely including wild yeast fermentation, extended lees contact in barrel (often a portion new French oak), and minimal intervention to allow the vineyard's unique personality to shine through. The 2022 vintage in the Yarra Valley is generally considered excellent for Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes (based on available information and the typical characteristics of Oakridge 864 Chardonnay):

On the prowl, the nose is complex and inviting:

• Precise Citrus and Stone Fruit: Expect aromas of lemon, grapefruit, and white peach, often with a crystalline purity.
• Subtle Autolysis: Refined notes of almond meal and subtle brioche from extended lees contact.
• Striking Minerality: A signature of the 864 range, likely a flinty or stony character, providing a sense of place.
• Restrained Oak Integration: The French oak is expertly handled, adding structure and spice (vanilla, subtle clove) without masking the fruit or minerality. ¹  
  1. Oakridge 864 Henk Aqueduct Block Chardonnay 2022 - Dan Murphy's

  

  www.danmurphys.com.au
• Floral Hints: Delicate notes of white flowers add another layer of elegance.

The palate is where this sleek leopard truly shines:

• Powerful Yet Elegant: Full-bodied with a remarkable sense of restraint and finesse.
• Focused Acidity: A driving acidity provides incredible length, energy, and balance.
• Layers of Flavor: The palate echoes the nose with intense citrus and stone fruit, complex nutty notes, and a pronounced, lingering minerality.
• Exceptional Structure: The wine possesses a tightly wound structure that promises significant aging potential.
• Long and Evolving Finish: The finish is persistent, with flavors that continue to unfold and evolve, leaving a lasting impression of complexity, purity, and terroir.

Who's it For: This is for the Chardonnay aficionado, the collector, and anyone seeking a benchmark Australian white wine that showcases the unique character of a single vineyard. The Oakridge 864 Henk Aqueduct Block demands attention and rewards patience, promising a profound and evolving experience for those who cellar it.

Pairing Power: This exceptional Chardonnay, with its power, complexity, and minerality, pairs beautifully with:

• Luxurious Seafood: Lobster, scallops, and premium white fish prepared with butter or cream sauces.
• Rich Poultry: Roasted chicken or guinea fowl with truffle or mushroom accompaniments.
• Complex Seafood Dishes: Bouillabaisse or seafood risotto.
• Mature Cheeses: Fine aged Comté or Gruyère.
• White Truffle Dishes: The wine's complexity will harmonize beautifully.

The Bottom Line: The Oakridge 864 Henk Aqueduct Block 2022 is a testament to the exceptional terroir of this specific site within the Yarra Valley and Oakridge's commitment to meticulous winemaking. It is a Chardonnay of profound depth, complexity, and age-worthiness, representing a pinnacle of Australian Chardonnay. To uncork a bottle is to encounter a truly majestic and unforgettable creature of the wine world, a reflection of the Yarra Valley at its absolute finest.