SVC Releases August 2026
INTRODUCING…
2025 Lillydale Vineyard Chardonnay, Yarra Valley VIC
Tasting Notes
Careful winemaking has resulted in a perfect green-tinted yellow colour. Excellent complexity on the nose and palate after pressing whole bunches, and a wild ferment in barrel. Roasted cashew notes from the fine French oak complement the white nectarine and grapefruit characters. A delicate and lacy Chardonnay that will evolve over the next few years.
Winemakers Comments
Lillydale Estate was established in 1975 by Alex White and Martin Grinbergs. The Chardonnay vineyard has three different clones over 2.25 hectares and is a vineyard of exceptional pedigree. The vineyard has had a number of different owners over the years and has produced wines that have won multiple trophies at local and capital city wine shows. Following the chance we had to acquire the grapes in late 2019, this marks our fifth release from this renowned vineyard. A much finer style of Chardonnay than we see from our Indigo and Forest Edge Vineyards, this is a very exciting addition to our single vineyard range. The lead-up to the harvest, characterised by cool and dry conditions, extended the ripening process and preserved the acidity. This resulted in a limited yield of superior quality Chardonnay, distinguished by its exceptional purity and finesse.
Vinification
Whole bunch pressing and a wild ferment in new French oak have come together in spectacular fashion. The wine was fermented in 30% new French oak and the balance older – all barrels from various cooperages.
2025 Forest Edge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Orange NSW
Tasting Notes
Quite pale in colour with a youthful red tint. Lifted red cherry and Chinese five spice aromas. Minimal oak noticeable with bright red fruit and red spice on the palate. A lighter weight wine despite the 13% alcohol with a subtle char note along with a bramble complexity. A very enjoyable wine over the medium term.
Winemakers Comments
The Orange district is widely recognised as one of Australia’s premium cool climate regions. Rob Crawford established the Forest Edge Vineyard in 1988, making it one of the oldest vineyards in the region. A relatively calm vintage in Orange in 2025 with mild temperatures and ripe tannins. Yields were above average and the grapes for this wine were picked 5th March.
Vinification
Retention of fruit character is always important. Processing involved a cold soak of the must for a few days and included approximately 10% whole bunch in the ferment. No post ferment maceration was undertaken. Oak maturation was predominantly in used French oak barriques and bottled at the 10-month mark. These vines are a blend of clones 777 and D5V12.
2024 Wade Block 2 Vineyard Shiraz, McLaren Vale SA
Tasting Notes
A perfect McLaren Vale Shiraz colour with deep purple hues. Classic McLaren Vale flavours of ripe black fruits, dark chocolate with hints of warm spice from the cooler vintage. A full-bodied wine with mouthcoating tannins and a vanilla note from the fine French oak. A long finish with layers of flavour.
Winemakers Comments
The 24th bottling of the Wade Block 2 from McLaren Flat. Grown in deep sand, this is an amazing vineyard that is now over 30 years of age. It is planted with cuttings sourced from a very old local vineyard and grown on its own roots. Again, very distinctive and complex, easily qualifying it for the ‘Single Vineyard’ label. McLaren Vale had good winter rainfall which gave a full soil profile to start the season. The cooler conditions during the growing seasons resulted in slow vine growth and late flowering. One of the later harvests for number of years. A relatively challenging season resulting in wines of great finesse.
Vinification
Machine harvested, crushed and chilled to tanker in McLaren Vale. A combination of open and static fermentation in the Hunter. Pumped over to ensure plenty of aeration during fermentation. Oak maturation was 100% French oak puncheons (25% new) for 16 months.
