Australia 10 whites
Australia 10 whites
(Image credit: Australia 10 whites)

Australia's white wine scene is a hotbed of quality, and very much on the up. The country's foremost wine communicator, Huon Hooke surveys new and established wineries, large and small, to name his top estates. As published in the Decanter July 2012 issue.

Oakridge

Yarra Valley, Victoria

Since David Bicknell took over as chief winemaker, quality here has soared, especially in Chardonnay, of which there are around seven each vintage. Over the Shoulder is deliciously light and fresh, barely sees wood, and is among the most slurpable examples in Australia. A rung further up on the price ladder is the estate wine, combining lightness and complexity. Next is the Local Vineyard Series (formerly ‘Lieu-dit’), with the vineyard specified – eg, Lusatia Park. The 864 is the top Chardonnay, also vineyard-named. Oakridge has been a pioneer in the move to lower alcohols and the style is delicate, subtly wooded, crisp and refreshing. And don’t miss the Limited-Release Fumé, 864 Botrytis Riesling and Over the Shoulder Pinot Grigio.

11150_00000395f_9d88_Oakridge_864_Lusatia_Park_Vineyard_2010.jpg

(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Oakridge, 864 Lusatia Park Vineyard Chardonnay 2010

11150_000001f15_f427_5stars.jpg

(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Oily texture; subtle, shy aromas of toast and nut, and flavours of grapefruit which build in the mouth. Delicate yet intense, subtle and refined, with a long finish. Understated and delicious.18.5pts/20

Price: £43.99 Matthew Clark

Drink: 2012–2019

Alc: 13.3%

Next page Previous page

Huon Hooke
Huon Hooke
Decanter Magazine, Wine & Food Writer

Huon Hooke is Australia’s leading independent wine writer, based in Sydney, who also judges wine competitions and educates on wine. A journalist first and wine professional second, he has tertiary qualifications in both fields, and has also worked in wineries and wine retailing. He contributes to Gourmet Traveller Wine, the Sydney Morning Herald’s ‘Good Food’ section, ‘Good Weekend’ magazine and Decanter, among other publications. He was co-author of The Penguin Good Australian Wine Guide for 14 years until 2007. In 2012 he launched the web and phone based app, Huonhooke.com. He has won 11 awards for wine writing since 1984 and has published 19 books on wine, including a biography of Penfolds Grange creator Max Schubert.