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Wickhams Road Macedon Chardonnay 2006 Made by Franco d’Anna of Hoddles Creek Estate, this is very much smack bang in the middle of the Yarra Valley winery’s groove, both in terms of style and sheer value for money. Faint traces of vanilla and cashew nut on the nose hint at time spent in wood, but when its time to sing for its supper, the wine lets its fruit do all the talking with long, eloquent sentences of delicious nectarine, white peach and stonefruit bookended by rasps of subtle acidity. On its own, the chardy’s voice is engaging enough to listen to, but give it a decent tune to sing (ie any ditty involving good friends and food) and we’ve got a potential summer chart-topper on your hands. The debut release from Wickhams Road and already the bar’s been set high. 17+ Max Venhuyzen Ace High Wine Made by the guys at Hoddles Creek Creek; the Wickhams Road wines are made with the same philosophy used with Hoddles Creek. They are single vineyard wines with the care and attention that has made Hoddles Creek such a success. The difference with Wickhams Road is that it has been sourced from trusted growers around Victoria. These are quality wines at a bargain price. This is made by the lads at Hoddles Creek Estate. No surprises then that it's awesome value. It's an extremely smart wine. Bites of lemon zest and lemon juice, flushes of nectarine-like flavour, very low oak flavour and a very straight line of flavour and acid through the finish. Look hard and you see notes of rose-petal, gun-metal and musk - this is brilliant drinking. If I was running a restaurant, I'd have this on my list lickety-split. As a consumer, I reckon a plunge is in order. Look out for it. Drink: 2008-2011. 91 points. campbell mattinson The WINE FRONT