Old-school Chardy comfort meets new-wave freshness. Thea Chardonnay 2024 walks the perfect line between creamy, oak-kissed richness and bright, fruit-driven bite. Sourced from the renowned Poppy’s Vineyard in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, this hand-picked Chardonnay is whole-bunch pressed, barrel fermented in seasoned oak and matured on lees with a lick of malolactic fermentation. The result? Fresh stone fruit and citrus wrapped around notes of brioche, butter and nutty toast, with oak sitting quietly in the background rather than shouting from the front row. The palate is silky and balanced – ripe peach, nectarine and lemon curd glide across the tongue, finishing with gentle creaminess, subtle spice and a mouth-watering line of acidity. It’s the sweet spot between old-school ‘buttery Chardy’ and modern, crisp styles. Region: Poppy’s Vineyard, Pokolbin – Hunter Valley, NSW Style: Mid-weight, creamy yet fresh Chardonnay Oak: Barrel fermented and matured in seasoned French oak with lees work and partial malo Drinkability: Balanced, easy to love – appeals to both classic Chardonnay fans and modern crisp-wine drinkers Food pairing: Roast chicken, creamy pasta, grilled scallops, or a simple roast veg tray bake If you’ve ever been torn between rich and oaky versus bright and citrusy Chardonnay, this is the bottle that brings both worlds together.