Handpicked Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2019

Handpicked Wines built its reputation on a simple but powerful idea: great wine begins with great sites. The Yarra Valley, just east of Melbourne, is one of Australia’s crown jewels for cool climate viticulture, and Chardonnay thrives here. Long, gentle growing seasons allow grapes to ripen slowly, holding onto bright natural acidity while layering in nuanced flavors. Morning mists, cool nights, and moderate daytime warmth create the kind of balance winemakers dream about.

The “handpicked” philosophy isn’t just branding — it’s about selective sourcing and careful decisions in the vineyard and winery. Fruit is chosen for freshness, structure, and regional character, with an emphasis on expressing the valley rather than overpowering it.

The Vineyard 

Yarra Valley vineyards are a patchwork of slopes, aspects, and soils — from clay loams to gravelly seams — and this diversity shows up in the glass. Elevated sites contribute tension and citrus drive; slightly warmer pockets bring stone fruit generosity. The result is Chardonnay with both nerve and charm: crisp but not severe, ripe but never heavy.

Winemaking

Winemaking here is about polish, not makeup. Gentle pressing keeps the juice pure. Fermentation typically occurs in a mix of stainless steel and French oak, allowing the wine to keep its fruit clarity while gaining subtle texture and spice. Oak is a supporting actor, not the lead. A portion of malolactic fermentation may be used to soften acidity and add creaminess, but the wine’s lively line remains intact.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, it’s pale gold with a fresh sheen. Aromas drift up: lemon zest, white peach, nectarine, and a hint of grapefruit pith, wrapped in delicate notes of toasted nuts and a whisper of vanilla spice. The palate is where it really clicks — bright citrus and orchard fruit glide over a silky, lightly creamy texture. There’s a lovely mineral thread running through the middle, giving shape and length. The finish is clean, mouth watering, and just savory enough to make you reach for another sip.

Awards & Accolades

Handpicked Wines has earned a strong reputation for quality across its Chardonnay range, regularly praised for precision, regional expression, and consistency. Its Yarra Valley expressions have featured prominently in Australian wine shows and critical tastings, contributing to the winery’s standing as a respected producer of modern, cool-climate Chardonnay.