Payten & Jones, Valley Vignerons Chardonnay, 2018
Payten & Jones, Valley Vignerons Chardonnay, 2018
- White Still
- 75CL
- 12.5%
- Chardonnay
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Fermented in stainless steel and French oak, the Payten & Jones Valley Vignerons Chardonnay balances freshness with aromatic flavours. Fresh pears combine with subtle floral notes, zesty lime and lemon, with a lingering sherbet twist finish. Delightful!
The 2018 vintage is at its optimal drinking window, with primary fruit now integrating with oak-derived characters. The honeyed complexity will continue to develop over the next two years, while maintaining its fresh citrus backbone. Beyond 2030, the fruit may begin to fade while tertiary characters become more prominent, though the wine's good acidity suggests graceful evolution rather than rapid decline.
What the critics say:
"Wild nose with wet hay, grilled almonds, reductive notes. Textured mid palate and a nice freshness too, rich, honeycomb and grilled nuts with a very long lingering finish. Impressive! "
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright golden yellow with good clarity and viscosity suggesting oak contact.
NoseThe aromatics show an intriguing wild character with wet hay and reductive mineral elements. Grilled almonds and honeyed richness emerge, supported by subtle floral lift. The oak integration appears well-judged, adding complexity without dominating.
PalateMedium-bodied with appealing texture across the mid-palate, balancing richness with maintained freshness. Fresh pear and citrus zest provide the fruit core, while honeycomb sweetness and grilled nut characters add depth. The acidity keeps the wine lively despite its textural weight.
FinishLong and persistent with sherbet-like citrus brightness and lingering almond character.
Overall impressionA well-crafted Chardonnay that successfully marries fruit purity with oak-derived complexity, showing impressive length and balance.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 10-12°C in a medium-sized white wine glass to allow the aromatics to develop fully. No decanting required, though opening 30 minutes before service will help the reductive elements blow off and reveal the wine's full complexity. The textural weight benefits from slightly warmer serving than lean, unoaked styles.
The 2018 vintage in Yarra Valley began with a notably dry winter followed by below-average spring rainfall, setting up water stress concerns early in the season. However, well-timed February rains provided crucial relief just as veraison commenced, helping grapes achieve full phenolic ripeness without excessive sugar accumulation. The growing season concluded with warm, stable conditions through March and April, allowing for extended hang time and measured harvest decisions across the valley's diverse mesoclimates.
This vintage delivered wines of considerable elegance and restraint, particularly benefiting Yarra Valley's flagship varieties. Pinot Noir achieved excellent colour density with silky tannin structure, while Chardonnay displays mineral precision with well-integrated oak. The combination of early season stress and late-season reprieve created wines with concentrated flavours yet maintained the region's characteristic finesse. Most 2018 Yarra Valley wines are drinking beautifully now, though premium Pinot Noirs will reward cellaring for another 3-5 years, and the finest Chardonnays should evolve gracefully through 2030.
FAQs
How does this compare to Burgundian Chardonnay?
This Australian expression offers more immediate fruit richness and accessible texture compared to most Burgundy, with less mineral austerity. The oak treatment is more obvious than top Burgundy, though well-integrated, making it more approachable for those new to premium Chardonnay.
Should I decant this wine?
Decanting isn't necessary, but the wine benefits from opening 30 minutes before service to allow the initial reductive characters to dissipate. This reveals the underlying honeyed fruit and grilled nut complexity more clearly.
What food works best with this style?
The wine's texture and oak influence make it excellent with richer fish dishes, roast chicken, or creamy pasta. The fresh acidity cuts through butter and cream sauces, while the honeyed richness complements roasted flavours beautifully.
Is this wine ready to drink now?
Yes, this 2018 is drinking beautifully now, with the oak and fruit components well-integrated. It will hold for another 3-4 years but offers immediate pleasure without further cellaring.
How should I store opened bottles?
Re-cork and refrigerate opened bottles, which will maintain quality for 3-4 days. The wine's texture and complexity actually improve slightly on day two as it opens up further in the glass.
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