Coldstream Hills Deer Farm Vineyard Chardonnay 2021

Trophy, Best Table Wine of Show – 2022 Brisbane Wine Show
Trophy, Best Chardonnay of Show " 2022 Brisbane Wine Show

Coldstream Hills prides itself on having access to many of the best vineyards in the Yarra Valley. Back in the late 1980s, James Halliday introduced single vineyard wines to Coldstream Hills demonstrating their unique styles. The tradition has continued with the release of the Deer Farm Single Vineyard range. 

"Purity and clarity are watchwords for this beautiful young chardonnay, with typical Yarra Valley length. White peach, grapefruit and grilled almond/nougat flavours are sustained by juicy acidity."  James Halliday

At higher altitude and planted in 1994 on grey clay-loam soil, the 29ha Coldstream Hills Deer Farm Vineyard in Gladysdale produces archetypal Upper Yarra Valley chardonnay. The 2021 Deer Farm Vineyard Chardonnay was sourced from the south-facing Block C East and the north-facing Block E which are planted to the I10V1 clone.

"Over many years of tasting the wines of the Yarra Valley's Coldstream Hills I have seen many wonderful wines. A few are still deeply etched in my memory to the point I can remember exactly where I was when I tasted them. But having just tasted the recently released range of reserve and single vineyard wines from the outstanding 21 vintage, I have no hesitation in saying this is the best group of wines I have seen from this great producer. As a final comment, these wines are amazing value for money for such quality."  Ray Jordan

"This wine was fermented and matured in seasoned and new (47%) French oak puncheons and barriques. Vibrant pale straw colour with green tinge. The nose is fragrant lemon/lime rind with white florals and lemon barley with underlying nougat, mineral slate, and subtle French oak. The palate is fine, pure and linear with texture, complexity, and tight juicy acidity. Lemon barley and blossom notes are supported by seamless French oak, wet rock like slate and mealy overtones. Tightly wound, but with layers of flavour. An outstanding vintage in the Yarra.

A near perfect season for cool climate varieties in the Yarra. Good winter and spring rainfall replenished the soil profile allowing a good start to the growing season. Spring was generally mild with no frost, flowering occurred during warm, stable conditions which was ideal. The ripening season was generally mild and punctuated with well-timed rainfall. A very even harvest period with gradual ripening and flavour development, vibrant natural acidity, and excellent quality fruit."  Coldstream Hills

"Deer Farm has regularly produced the best single vineyard wines each year and is the jewel in the Coldstream crown." - James Halliday

Expert reviews

"One of the best I have seen under this label within the Coldstream chardonnay portfolio. It's a product of a great vintage in the Yarra, but then it moves into another zone of pure class. Opens with a fragrant aroma of lime and lemon zest against a background of floral slaty nougat. The palate really moves into gear with its keenly linear precise structure. There's just a hint of meal and cereal richness although the palate is still showing a degree of tension and tightness. Will become something special. Cellar 10 years."  Ray Jordan, Ray Jordan Wine - 96 points

"A single vineyard wine made from fruit grown on the C and E blocks. Barrel fermented and matured in 47% new French oak puncheons and barriques. Classic, upper Yarra chardonnay from a great year with a beautifully defined bouquet of just-picked orchard fruits, nashi, some spice and a little saline minerality. Tightly wound, there's excellent drive through the mid-palate as this energetic wine finishes brisk and very long. This will benefit with age, but if you're going to drink it now, please, don't drink it too cold. Drink to: 2029."  Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion - 96 points and Special Value Wine  ★ 

"Pure peach, nectarine and pear-like flavour wrapped in minty, cedar-spiced oak. It's a pretty simple formula but the power on offer, the seamless flow of it, and the authoritative length are all entirely convincing. This is young, fresh, juicy and refined, in a powerful context, albeit a mouthwatering one. There are no issues here. It is very good. Drink: 2024 - 2031."  Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front - 95 points

"Fermented and matured in French oak (47% new). Purity and clarity are watchwords for this beautiful young chardonnay, with typical Yarra Valley length. White peach, grapefruit and grilled almond/nougat flavours are sustained by juicy acidity. 13% alc, screwcap. Drink to 2041."  James Halliday, The Weekend Australian

"Very light colour; aromas of nougat, chicken stock and creamy lees. It's rich and soft in the mouth, and there is refreshing acidity that is seamless. Very attractive wine that punches above its weight. Drink: 2023-2031."  Huon Hooke, The Real Review - 94 points

Awards

Trophy, Best Table Wine of Show – 2022 Brisbane Wine Show
Trophy, Best Chardonnay of Show - 2022 Brisbane Wine Show
Gold Medal - 2022 Brisbane Wine Show
Special Value Wine – Halliday Wine Companion  ★ 

About the winery

Wine writer, judge and personality James Halliday Suzanne and his wife Suzanne founded Coldstream Hills in 1985. It has since grown to become one of Australia's leading small wineries, with a reputation for producing high quality estate wines and outstanding single vineyard and reserve wines. Situated in the Yarra Valley, one of Australia's premier cool climate wine regions, the steep, close-planted vineyards lining the natural Amphitheatre have become a signature of the region.

The Amphitheatre and House Block were planted in 1985. Land adjacent to Coldstream Hills was purchased in 1988, followed by the planting of G Block with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. The year ended with the construction of the winery. The Upper Yarra Valley Vineyard was planted in 1993, followed by the acquisition of the Briarston Vineyard in 1994, and the Fernhill Vineyard in 1996. A new temperature-controlled barrel cellar, capable of handling up to 1500 barrels, was built in 1999. In 2013, Coldstream Hills purchased the Deer Farm Vineyard.

Winemakers Andrew Fleming and Jarratt joined Coldstream Hills in 2001 and are still there today. Andrew has more than 30 years of winemaking experience, including vintages in France at the iconic Chateau Haut Brion in Bordeaux and in the Languedoc region. Their leadership has produced a string of wine show awards over the ensuing years.