Ghostgum Chardonnay - Mornington Peninsula 2022 - Australia

96/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot 
96/100 James Suckling (2021 vintage)
96/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot (2021 vintage)
95/100 Angus Hughson, Vinous (2021 vintage)
95/100 Aaron Brasher, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
94/100 Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot (2021 vintage)
91/100 Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)

Top Wineries Australia - The Real Review 2024

Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "An excellent wine...A wine that bridges somewhere between the New World and the Old World especially with its palate structure and fine driving linear qualities. All wild yeast fermented, and a portion was allowed to go through malolactic fermentation to just soften the acid but add additional palate texture. Lemon citrus edges with lemon curd and a slightly butterscotch character. The palate reveals more that honeycomb edge adding tremendously to the layered complexity."

James Suckling "Exceptional chardonnay. Juicy, unfettered, complex and exceptionally long. Glazed quince, almond croissant, roasted chestnut, chamomile and a stream of transparent freshness towing exceptional length, framed by the cinnamon-etching of classy oak. Yet there is absolutely nothing untoward. Australian chardonnay is head and shoulders above anywhere else, rivalling Burgundy's best, but for the utmost upper echelon. Here, an example why. The fruit is already so vivid and accessible, I can't stop tasting or drinking this. The aura of an exceptional site and a deft hand in the cellar." (2021 vintage)

Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "An exceptional wine...Most impressive Chardonnay from the Mornington Peninsula. Fruit was handpicked and then whole bunch pressed to a mix of 20% new and older oak with wild yeast fermentation. A further 11 months on full lees contributes to its richness and textural feel however it has the precision and linear poise of Mornington. There’s a faint struck match evident on the nose and palate, adding to its immense appeal. The depth of fruit is impressive, and the palate sings its tune to a very long finish." (2021 vintage)

Angus Hughson, Vinous "The super stylish 2021 Chardonnay Ghostgum Vineyard offers a delicious mix of power and complexity. Rich nectarine and peach skin layers are beautifully intertwined with savory, nutty tones. Juicy acidity keeps the excellent flavor volume tight. Gunflint nuances emerge on a long, textbook finish." (2021 vintage)

Aaron Brasher, The Real Review "Complex aromas of nougat, lemon curd, grapefruit pith, wheat puff and melon rind. Flavours are powerful and driven, with a core of white stone-fruit, apple and creamy oak. There's lovely texture and mouth-feel and the length has layers of flavour and complexity. Classy gear." (2021 vintage)

Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot "This is a new and exciting name on the wine scene. A superb Chardonnay from east-facing vineyards at Main Ridge on the Mornington Peninsula, much is expected here and much delivered. A straw yellow in colour, this is taut, concentrated and clearly a quality Chardonnay. We have notes of cashews, stonefruits, figs, wet river stones, melons and a flick of vanilla. The gentle oak influence is integrating well and the wine is balanced. Clean, fresh and energetic with bright acidity and very good length, there is so much to like here. Expect this to drink beautifully for at least the next five to eight years." (2021 vintage)

Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion "There’s plenty to like with its melon, citrus and ginger blossom with creamy lees and oak spices adding to the palate weight. Yet it is simple, soft and pleasant, lacking the X-factor for a wine at this price." (2021 vintage)

Winemaker "Ghostgum Vineyard Chardonnay is highly perfumed with notes of freshly squeezed lime, lemon pith, and fleshy stone fruits. Subtle notes of cinnamon and vanilla are suggestive of well-considered oak maturation. The aromas carry through to the palate, which also shows some fresh sourdough bread characters adding further to this wine’s complexity. It finishes with a saline minerality and racy, vibrant acidity. This is a Chardonnay with energy, structure, and power."

100% Chardonnay

Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion "Joval Wines has been a major player in the wine import/distribution scene for decades and lately has bought several Yarra Valley labels outright. It was only a matter of time before it added a winery to expand the range, including a new label. Enter Southern Lights Vineyards. Previously known as Long Gully Estate, an established winery with vineyards, it is the new home of Joval Wine’s suite of cool-climate wines from the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley. Serious inroads are being undertaken, comprised of new plantings and thoughtful viticulture alongside a commitment to quality. Eye-catching labels, too."

The Real Review "The name Southern Light Vineyards refers to the vital role that sunlight plays in quality grape growing. Here in the southern hemisphere, the sun is one of the most influential factors to consider, and our philosophy is built on crafting distinctive wines that capture each of our vineyards' unique character. We grow grapes in the Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley from three exceptional sites. When it comes to quality grape growing, it's all in the details, like how we manage the canopy, set up the rows, consider the slopes, and factor in the altitude. Every choice made in the vineyard directly affects the character of our wine. Our winery is nestled in Healesville in the Yarra Valley. Purposefully designed for small batch processing, our winery offers the ideal environment for crafting exceptional wines."

Mornington Peninsula is one of Victoria's most important Australian wine regions, located an hour's drive south of Melbourne on the southern coast of Australia. It is one of Australia's coolest winegrowing regions and produces elegant Chardonnay and internationally award winning Pinot Noir wines, and gaining a reputation for its quality medium bodied, peppery shiraz.

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.