It would not be too much of an exaggeration to say that David Bicknell, the Oakridge winemaker, almost single-handedly smartened up and redefined the Chardonnay style of the Yarra Valley, with an emphasis on purity, precision, and steeliness, to a degree.
How good then is the entry level 2014 Oakridge 'Over the Shoulder' Chardonnay? The wine is sourced from a number of Yarra Valley vineyards, most likely higher yielding and younger fruit than for the premium wines.
In a nutshell, it is not quite the same as the premium wines, although this wine has some of those attributes. The colour is a brilliant yellow/green. Features on the palate are citrus, green apple and a strong component of minerality. The fruit is very pure, but the shape of the wine is a bit broader than for their expensive wines. The wine is nicely framed by refreshing acidity. Nevertheless, I would prefer to drink this wine young. It misses the delicious singing and soaring notes of the single vineyard wines, but represents excellent value for money. A great every day drinking wine.
Score: 90/++
How good then is the entry level 2014 Oakridge 'Over the Shoulder' Chardonnay? The wine is sourced from a number of Yarra Valley vineyards, most likely higher yielding and younger fruit than for the premium wines.
In a nutshell, it is not quite the same as the premium wines, although this wine has some of those attributes. The colour is a brilliant yellow/green. Features on the palate are citrus, green apple and a strong component of minerality. The fruit is very pure, but the shape of the wine is a bit broader than for their expensive wines. The wine is nicely framed by refreshing acidity. Nevertheless, I would prefer to drink this wine young. It misses the delicious singing and soaring notes of the single vineyard wines, but represents excellent value for money. A great every day drinking wine.
Score: 90/++
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