Yarra Valley winery, Oakridge Wines, is launching its annual 864 Vintage Release, of which its Funder & Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay 2022 has just received the Wine of the Year title from the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.
This release will launch on 2 September in limited-quantities, and will also feature the 864 Henk Aqueduct Block Chardonnay 2022, 864 Henk Aqueduct Block Pinot Noir 2023, 864 Close-Planted Block Syrah 2022, and 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
Oakridge Wines’ diverse portfolio includes chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and sparkling blanc de blancs, crafted under longstanding chief winemaker, David Bicknell, who has been making Oakridge wines since 2002.
The 2022 vintage of the 864 Funder & Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay is the 11th iteration of the single block wine. The Funder & Diamond vineyard, known for its mature vines planted in the red volcanic soils of Wandin East, consistently produces exceptional fruit, according to Oakridge.
“It’s the culmination of a generation's work, involving a whole group of people,” said Bicknell.
“We’ve got a team of amazing depth and talent. It's important to recognise senior Senior Viticulturist Steve Faulkner, Vineyard Operations Manager Georgina Jacobs as well as the whole viticultural team. The work they have put in is what gives us the ability in the winery to create something like this.”
The company stated that the 2022 vintage is particularly high calibre, one of the best of the past decade. Despite facing challenges throughout the growing season, and extremely low yields, the wines produced were of exceptional quality and fruit purity. Chardonnay was a standout, with the later than average harvest producing wines of remarkable natural acidity.
“A wine like the 864 Chardonnay captures a moment in time, but it's always about looking
forward and how we can improve,” said Bicknell.
“I believe our best wines are still ahead of us.”
The 864 Vintage Release will be available online at oakridgewines.com.au on 2 September, with prices ranging from $96-$100.
