Tasting Profile
April 2025
The Chardonnay block at Port Phillip Estate’s Red Hill vineyard consists of three parcels. The largest area (1.3 hectares) is the oldest, at 36 years. A smaller area of 0.3 hectares was planted seven years later. A third area of more closely planted vines was established in 2013. The Red Hill vineyard is dominated by red basalt, yet the Chardonnay block is planted in an area of sandy grey loam over yellow clay. The site has deep soils with great water-holding capacity, so the vines require very little irrigation throughout Summer. Nestled on a hill facing East, the block’s aspect exposes the fruit to maximum morning sunshine but protects the fruit from the afternoon Summer sun, allowing it to ripen in a cooler environment. The cool evenings of Red Hill’s maritime climate and cold air flow down the hill help maintain the wine’s hallmark acidity.
The grapes were hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed directly into a mixture French oak barriques and 350L barrels (18% of which were new). Fermentation occurred spontaneously with ambient yeasts and lasted approximately 16 days. Following fermentation, the wine was aged on lees (without battonage) for 11 months before being bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.
Vibrant citrus aromas of lemon and lime are complemented by hints of grapefruit blossom, white peach, grilled nuts, and subtle flint. Nuances of oak spice and gentle toast sit quietly in the background, adding depth.
The palate reveals flavours of charred citrus and white stone fruit, supported by a creamy mid-palate. A fine thread of phenolics brings texture and complexity, while a delicately woven acid line lifts the fruit, delivering brightness and a long, elegant finish.
13.5% alc.
Tasting Profile 2024
Tasting Profile 2023
Tasting Profile 2022
Tasting Profile 2021
Reviews
Wine Pilot, May 2025
Jeni Port
Sub-regional expression is definitely a feature of this stunning Red Hill Chardonnay. The higher, cooler Red Hill area promotes a more pronounced structure and firmness which is accentuated more in a cool year like 2024. Acidity is a key factor in this wine, something that will see it age particularly well. Then there is the quality of the fruit and an intriguing layer of savouriness that adds up to one mighty exciting wine. A touch of almond skin savouriness is hinted at in a bouquet of stone fruits, honeydew melon, pear, citrus, grapefruit pith., lime peel and lemon balm. It arrives with an effortless ease, elegant and beautifully focused with a clean textural flow studded in lemon peel tartness. Irresistible.
96 points
The WineFront, May 2025
Gary Walsh
White peach but mainly citrus, almond, oatmeal and spice. Medium-bodied, tangy and grapefruity, a subtle gloss to texture, tight and flinty with a lemon and grapefruit finish of good length, some lemon peel in the aftertaste. Good wine.
94 points
The Vintage
The Vineyard
The Port Phillip Estate Red Hill vineyard is located on the Mornington Peninsula on Eocene volcanic soils. Our wines are made from domain grown, handpicked grapes and aim to manifest terroir: the integration of our geology and soils with the macroclimate of our region, the mesoclimates of the various sites within our vineyard and the weather of the annual grape growing season. Our cultural operations in the vineyard and practices in the winery endeavour to articulate these unique characteristics diligently, respectfully and without artifice.