Bird in Hand, Two in the Bush Chardonnay, 2021
Bird in Hand, Two in the Bush Chardonnay, 2021
- White Still
- 75CL
- 13%
- Chardonnay
Couldn't load pickup availability
The nose is fresh and inviting, with aromas of white peach, nectarine, citrus blossom, and a touch of vanilla and cashew from gentle oak influence. On the palate, it's medium-bodied with a clean line of acidity, creamy texture, and flavours of stone fruit, lemon curd, and subtle spice. The finish is crisp and balanced, making it versatile for food or casual sipping.
Bird in Hand is a modern, family-owned winery located in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia—a cool-climate region known for producing elegant, expressive wines. The ‘Two in the Bush’ range offers excellent value while showcasing regional character and winemaking finesse.
This 2021 Chardonnay is designed for early consumption while the fruit remains vibrant and the oak integration is seamless. Over the next two years, expect the stone fruit flavours to soften slightly while developing more honeyed character. The wine will maintain its balance until 2029, after which the fresh acidity may begin to fade and the fruit character will become more muted.
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale straw with hints of green, bright and clear.
NoseWhite peach and nectarine dominate, supported by citrus blossom and subtle vanilla from oak treatment. Cashew and gentle spice add complexity without overwhelming the fruit expression.
PalateMedium-bodied with excellent balance between creamy texture and clean acidity. Stone fruit flavours merge with lemon curd richness, while subtle oak spice provides structure and length.
FinishCrisp and well-balanced with lingering fruit and gentle mineral persistence.
Overall impressionAn approachable, well-crafted Chardonnay that demonstrates Adelaide Hills' potential for elegant, food-friendly wines.
Food Pairings
Adelaide Hills cuisine celebrates local produce, with Chardonnay traditionally paired with fresh seafood from nearby Spencer Gulf. Local restaurants favour combinations with Murray River cod, Coffin Bay oysters, and Kangaroo Island marron. The region's cool climate also produces excellent soft cheeses, particularly goat's cheese from Woodside and Adelaide Hills Cheese Company, which complement the wine's creamy texture and citrus acidity.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve chilled at 10-12°C to preserve the wine's fresh acidity and fruit character. No decanting required - open just before serving to maintain the crisp, vibrant style. Use a medium-sized white wine glass to concentrate the delicate aromatics while allowing the wine to breathe slightly.
The Adelaide Hills sits 400-600 metres above sea level, creating one of Australia's coolest wine regions. The combination of altitude, maritime influence from nearby Gulf St Vincent, and diverse soils ranging from sandy loams to clay creates ideal conditions for Chardonnay. Cool nights preserve natural acidity while warm days develop flavour intensity, resulting in wines with both freshness and complexity.
Adelaide Hills is a cool-climate region east of Adelaide, recognised for producing some of Australia's finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The region gained official status in 1998 and benefits from diurnal temperature variation of up to 20°C during harvest. Unlike warmer Australian regions, Adelaide Hills produces wines with natural acidity and restraint, earning comparisons to Burgundy and other premium cool-climate areas.
The 2021 vintage in Adelaide Hills proved challenging yet rewarding for vignerons willing to adapt. A cooler, wetter spring than usual delayed flowering in some vineyards, creating uneven fruit set that required careful canopy management throughout the season. The region's elevation worked in growers' favour during a relatively mild summer, with the higher altitude sites maintaining crucial acidity levels. Harvest timing became critical as weather windows compressed, demanding swift decisions to capture fruit at optimal ripeness while preserving the region's hallmark elegance.
Quality varies notably across varieties, with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from well-managed sites showing exceptional promise. The wines display classic Adelaide Hills characteristics: bright acidity, restrained alcohol levels, and mineral precision that speaks to the region's cool climate credentials. Sauvignon Blanc from 2021 shows particular vibrancy and should be enjoyed within the next two years, whilst the better Chardonnays will reward cellaring for five to eight years. Pinot Noir shows lovely aromatic intensity and can be approached now, though premium examples will develop beautifully over the next decade.
FAQs
How does this compare to other Australian Chardonnays?
This Adelaide Hills style offers more restraint and acidity than warmer region Chardonnays from Barossa or Hunter Valley, with subtle oak use rather than the heavier butter and vanilla character found in some Australian examples.
What makes Adelaide Hills suitable for Chardonnay?
The high altitude and cool climate preserve natural acidity while developing complex fruit flavours, creating wines with both freshness and depth that compete with premium cool-climate regions worldwide.
Should I cellar this wine?
While drinkable now, this wine will show best over the next 2-3 years while the fruit remains vibrant. It's designed for relatively early consumption rather than long-term cellaring.
What food works best with this style?
The balanced acidity and creamy texture make it excellent with seafood, particularly grilled fish, shellfish, and dishes with cream or butter-based sauces. It also pairs well with roast chicken and soft cheeses.
How much oak influence should I expect?
The oak is subtle and well-integrated, providing texture and gentle spice rather than dominating the fruit. Expect vanilla and cashew nuances that support rather than mask the stone fruit character.
Is this wine good value for Adelaide Hills?
The 'Two in the Bush' range represents excellent entry-level access to Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, offering regional character and quality winemaking at a more accessible price point than premium single-vineyard bottlings.
-
Free UK Delivery
Learn about deliveryGet free UK delivery when you spend £75 or more on duty paid wine
-
Save 30% on a host of quality wines
Our fine wines are sourced from our sister retailers, but offered at a substantial discount to their previous selling prices.