The Wanderer is made by Andrew Marks who is based at his family vineyard, Gembrook Hill, in the Upper Yarra Valley.

The Wanderer Chardonnay comes from the same vineyard as our Upper Yarra Pinot Noir. Cane pruned I10V1 clone vines. The grapes were whole bunch pressed then run into barrel with full solids the next day. Wild fermentation, left on lees without stirring until bottling. Fermentation and elevage in old french barrels with a brie "kiss" of new oak. Three barrels made, two puncheons 500L and a hogshead 300L.

This is a cool chardonnay with pear, green apple, stonefruit, crushed fennel and chalk characters flowing elegantly throughout. It sits in the lean-and-long camp but there’s yet genuine flavour on offer, and certainly enough to satisfy. Acidity gives this wine a mouthwatering aspect, and it finishes with plenty of run. This is a good 2-3 years from really hitting its drinking stride, but it will be very good. Date: Aug 2024; Alcohol: 12.5%; Price: $50; Closure: Diam; Drink: 2026-2031+; Rated: 93+ Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front