Onannon is three people with one goal. The people are Sam Middleton, Kaspar Hermann and Will Byron, each of whom contributed the last letters of their surname to make Onannon. A friendship forged in winemaking studies and cemented in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with each of them serving stints at Coldstream Hills in the Yarra Valley in the noughties. Sam and Kaspar are still based in the Yarra, Sam at the helm of his iconic family estate Mount Mary, whilst Will is now based full time on the Mornington Peninsula solely focussing on the Onannon wines. 

Fruit is sourced from three sites on the Mornington Peninsula Tuerong, Merricks and Red Hill. Whole bunch pressed straight to oak, using a combination of barrique and puncheon. A Combination of yeasts were used to help build some complexity. 

Samphire, ripe grapefruit, apple crumble, some spice. Juicy, savoury too with an umami quality of white mushrooms and white miso, Scotch Finger biscuit, flinty with it, saline and savoury on a long lime-laced finish. Complex and individual. Such a great thing to drink. Date: Oct 2023; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $40; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2023-2028; Rated: 94 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

Who doesn’t want a chardonnay that’s uncomplicated yet delicious, well-made yet not full of winemaking artefact and one to pour now, then sit back and relax and think … of nothing. Yes, you want that wine to offer enjoyment, and this fits the bill. Hints of stone fruit and lemon rind, tangy and juicy, fleshy across the palate with uplifting acidity on the finish. Date: Oct 2023; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $40.00; Drink by: 2030; Rating: 93 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion