Willowlake Vineyard has long been the source of some of the Yarra Valley’s most impressive Chardonnays. Located in the Upper Yarra, this predominantly north-facing site is home to 40-year-old vines and red volcanic soils with gravel over mudstone. This is the swansong for BOAW Chardonnay from this vineyard, but 2021 was a heck of a year to finish, as Philip Rich’s note below makes clear.

“Whole-bunch pressed to barrel with almost full solids; 25% mlf and 32% new oak. Sadly, this will be the last Bird on a Wire Chardonnay from the Willowlake A1 vineyard block. A very bright green gold. A wonderfully complex Upper Yarra Valley chardonnay with aromas of stone fruits, grilled nuts, a little nougat and some marine scents. Equally good on the textured and structured palate, which finishes long with a very appealing and balanced touch of grip. It’s tops now, and it’ll still be good in four to six years, if not longer.” 97 points, Philip Rich, The Wine Companion