2023 Chardonnay

2023 Ringer Reef Chardonnay

2023 Ringer Reef Chardonnay is a dry, medium to full-bodied white wine from Victoria’s Alpine Valleys. Fermented and matured in oak, using a mix of new and older barrels, it has subtle stonefruit aromas, a soft creamy palate and delicate oak length.

Some components went through malolactic fermentation, which gives the wine a gentle roundness without making it feel heavy. There are lots of different flavours here, but nothing over the top. It is a lovely white for cooler days, roast chicken dinners, cheese boards, Sunday lunch or anyone who enjoys Chardonnay with texture, balance and a bit of care behind it.

Wine details

Vintage: 2023
Region: Alpine Valleys, Victoria
Variety/style: Chardonnay
Producer: Ringer Reef Winery
Grown/made by: Holm family, Porepunkah
Alcohol: 13.0%
Body: Medium to full
Sweetness: Dry
Acidity: Gentle
Tasting notes: Subtle stonefruit, white peach, soft creaminess, delicate oak
Winemaking: Fermented and matured in oak, using a mixture of new and older barrels. Some components went through malolactic fermentation, adding softness and creamy texture
Best served: Lightly chilled
Food pairing: Chicken, roast chicken, creamy cheese, cheese boards, richer white meat dishes
Occasion: Cooler days, Sunday lunch, relaxed dinners, cheese boards, gifts for Chardonnay lovers
Cellaring: Enjoy now or cellar until 2030
Bottle size: 750ml
Price: $35 AUD

Best for

This wine is a good choice if you are looking for:

• a dry Victorian Chardonnay

• an Alpine Valleys Chardonnay with gentle oak

• a medium to full-bodied Australian Chardonnay under $40

• a creamy Chardonnay that is not over the top

• a white wine to serve with chicken or cheese

• a cooler-weather white wine

• a Chardonnay with stonefruit, white peach and delicate oak

• a small-batch white wine from a family-run winery in Porepunkah

FAQs

Is this Chardonnay dry or sweet?
This is a dry Chardonnay with subtle stonefruit aromas, a soft creamy palate and gentle oak character.

What does this Chardonnay taste like?
It has subtle stonefruit and white peach flavours, a soft creamy texture and delicate oak length. There is plenty going on, but nothing feels too big or over the top.

Is this Chardonnay oaky?
It has delicate oak influence rather than heavy oak. The wine was fermented and matured in a mix of new and older barrels, giving it texture, length and softness.

What is malolactic fermentation, and why does it matter here?
Malolactic fermentation is a natural winemaking process that can soften acidity and add a creamy texture. In this Chardonnay, only some components went through it, so the wine has softness without becoming too rich.

What food does this Chardonnay go with?
It goes beautifully with chicken, roast chicken, creamy cheese, cheese boards and richer white meat dishes.

Where is this wine from?
This wine is made by Ringer Reef Winery in Porepunkah, in Victoria’s Alpine Valleys wine region.

Should this Chardonnay be served chilled?
Yes, serve it lightly chilled. Too cold and you may miss some of the creamy texture and delicate oak character.

Can I cellar this Chardonnay?
Yes. It is drinking well now and can be cellared until 2030.

If you like this Chardonnay, you may also enjoy:

• 2025 Rosé, for a dry, delicate wine with strawberry and rose petal notes

• 2024 Pinot Noir, for a lighter red wine with elegance and food-friendly charm

• 2022 Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay, for a dry traditional method sparkling wine with crisp apple, brioche and creaminess