Overview
A single-vineyard Chardonnay from Polperro’s Mill Hill vineyard in Red Hill, one of the highest and more exposed sites in the Mornington Peninsula. Sourced from the vineyard’s special hill block over granite bedrock, the wine combines concentrated citrus fruit, textural depth and a distinctly mineral, driving character.
Vineyard
Mill Hill is located in Red Hill at approximately 270 metres elevation, with a north-facing slope and vine rows running due north. Its elevated and exposed position creates a long ripening period that helps preserve high levels of natural acidity.
The vineyard contains two blocks. The road block contributes to Polperro’s estate wines, while the hill block lies over granite bedrock and produces the single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay is planted to the I10V5 clone on its own roots across approximately four acres. Vines are cane pruned and trained to Vertical Shoot Positioning.
Viticulture
The vineyard is farmed according to a philosophy of sustainability and regenerative agriculture, incorporating biological, biodynamic and organic practices.
Winemaking
The fruit is handpicked and whole-bunch pressed using a gentle Champagne press cycle. No enzymes or sulphur are used at the press tray, and the juice is oxidatively handled before being transferred to barrel with full solids and minimal sulphur addition.
Fermentation occurs naturally with wild yeast. The wine is then left unsulphured until the following summer, by which time most of the wine has completed full malolactic fermentation. A minimal amount of sulphur is added and the wine remains in barrel for a total of six months before being racked from gross lees and transferred to tank. It is bottled without fining and with minimal filtration.
Producer Tasting Notes
A fresh, driving palate—energetic and vibrant—with a concentrated mid-palate fruit core. Layers of citrus and preserved lemon peel swirl through. Subtle nuances of praline and honey transition seamlessly into a wet pebble-like minerality, carrying through to a long, persistent finish.
Critic Reviews
93/100 — The Wine Front
Tasted March 2026
92/100 — Huon Hooke
“Light to mid yellow with aromas of pineapple, mango, resin, chopped herbs and a hint of emerging toasty hazelnut from development. … A generous, textural chardonnay.”
Reviewed 01 March 2026
91/100 — Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
Tasted March 2026
Specifications
-
Vintage: 2024
-
Producer: Polperro Winery
-
Country: Australia
-
Region: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
-
Vineyard: Mill Hill, Red Hill
-
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
-
Clone: I10V5
-
Elevation: 270 metres
-
Vineyard Area: Approximately 4 acres of Chardonnay
-
Training: Vertical Shoot Positioning
-
Pruning: Cane pruned
-
Harvest: Handpicked, early to mid-April
-
Pressing: Whole-bunch pressed
-
Fermentation: Wild yeast fermentation with full solids
-
Malolactic Fermentation: Most of the wine completed full malolactic fermentation
-
Maturation: 6 months in barrel
-
Fining: None
-
Filtration: Minimal
-
Viticulture: Sustainable and regenerative agriculture incorporating biological, biodynamic and organic practices
-
Drinking Window: 2026–2036
