Awarded 90 Points at the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion, Innocent Bystander Chardonnay is unapologetically modern and proves why the Yarra Valley has become one of Australia’s great cool-climate Chardonnay regions.

This is Chardonnay without the retro baggage. Largely hand-picked and wild fermented with subtle oak influence, this white wine balances freshness, texture and drinkability with effortless confidence. Aromas of fresh pear, lemon, poached apple, florals and marzipan lead into a palate layered with ripe stone fruit, citrus brightness and a gently pithy texture that keeps things crisp, fresh and seriously moreish.

Sophisticated without trying too hard, this is the kind of Chardonnay that works equally well with a long lunch, a proper dinner or simply opening another bottle because everyone’s still hanging around.

This is Chardonnay built for people who love great wine but don’t need the ceremony that usually comes with it.

Perfect with paella del mar, BBQ chicken with coriander salsa verde, or smoked salmon and brie frittata.