2025 Gembrook Hill Chardonnay

97 pts
Limited release of Gembrook's rare Chardonnay from a great Yarra vineyard.

Price:
Sale price$55.00
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In stock, ready to ship
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Description

The Gembrook Hill Chardonnay isn't a guaranteed annual release; Andrew Marks often diverts this fruit into their vintage Blanc de Blancs. When a table wine does make the cut, it is invariably excellent and disappears almost immediately. In 2025, he made both!

The 2025 vintage is a classic Gembrook release - think a riper, more generous take on Chablis, to use a frame of reference that Andrew uses. The fruit was whole-bunch pressed and wild-fermented with solids in large, old French oak to build texture while keeping the wood firmly in the background. It’s a lithe, energetic wine that balances green apple, citrus, and a hint of mineral crunch against a softer white-stonefruit roundness.  

Everything about this release feels poised and effortless. It has a clean, direct line of acidity that drives the finish, making it clear why these bottles are in such high demand. Allocations are extremely tight, so this is one to grab while you can. It's going to unwind very well in the cellar if you can wait.

97 points
"The first Gembrook Hill Chardonnay since '23 and well worth the wait... A joy to drink now, and a joy to drink six years from now."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)

94+ points
"This release is reticent but it has excellent fruit power and the structure to match. It will unfurl, and it will be beautiful... It’s just a matter of waiting for the curtains to open."
- Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)

97 points - "The first Gembrook Hill Chardonnay since '23 and well worth the wait. Pure-fruited aromas of white peach, white flowers, spice and a little cashew. Excellent intensity of flavour through the mid-palate, with a fine, even and very long acid line. A joy to drink now, and a joy to drink six years from now." - Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)

94+ points - "This release is reticent but it has excellent fruit power and the structure to match. It will unfurl, and it will be beautiful. It tastes of citrus, fennel, nectarine, tonic water, forest herb notes and cedar, with grilled peach characters murmuring in the background. It’s all there. It’s just a matter of waiting for the curtains to open." - Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)

This year both bubbles and table wine was made. Keep an eye out for the bubbles in 2032! In the meantime this wine is beautifully lither with greaty texture and energy. Typical Gembrook refined elegance. Think Chablis!
100% whole bunch pressed and fermented with solids and wild yeast. Old large format french oak.
This stunning wine is in high demand and quantities are limited.
Estate bottled.

Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type White
Body Full Bodied
Variety Chardonnay
Country Australia
Region Yarra Valley
Australian State VIC
Feature Cult
High Score
Reviewed By The Wine Front
Halliday Wine Companion
Critic Score 97
Alcohol 12.5%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2025
Closure DIAM Cork

Gembrook Hill

Based in the cool upper reaches of the Yarra Valley, Gembrook Hill is one of the country's most loved producers of Pinot Noir.

Founded in 1983 by Ian and June Marks, Gembrook is one of the most picturesque vineyards in the region. As well as their stunning Pinot Noirs, they produce excellent examples of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and an elegant Blanc de Blanc in certain vintages.

Ian Marks sadly passed away in 2017. His son Andrew now tends the family vineyard and makes the wines, continuing the family legacy for producing outstanding examples of Upper Yarra wine.

Andrew Marks in his family's vineyard Gembrook Hill

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