Coldstream Hills was established in 1985 by James and Suzanne Halliday and has since grown to become one of Australia's leading and most awarded small wineries. Situated in the picturesque Yarra Valley east of Melbourne, the steep, close-planted vineyards of Coldstream Hills have become a signature of the region. So too have its wines, which reflect regional character, consistency and style. Sourced from hillside sloping vineyards in the Upper and Lower Yarra Valley, the grapes are pressed using gentle handling techniques. Coldstream Hills Chardonnay is barrel fermented and matured in French oak barrels for up to nine months prior to blending and bottling. The Upper Yarra Chardonnay generally provides attractive citrus characters, with mineral slate notes and length; the Lower Yarra is often fleshier in style with attractive white peach and quince characters. Blending of parcels from both regions produces wines of complexity, varietal definition and length. The 2017 vintage was a return to a cooler weather pattern with cool spring months and a mild to warm Summer. Rainfall and yields were close to average, allowing grape flavour and sugar to ripen in a steady manner. Acid retention was excellent in the fruit giving rise to wines of freshness, vibrancy and great balance. Fermented and matured in seasoned and new (26%) French oak barriques, puncheons and vats.