2024 Single Vineyard Upper Ngumby Chardonnay
Steely citrus bouquet is supported by some flintiness and sweet melon character. A fresh melon and nectarine palate is integrated with subtle oak for a silky mouthfeel, finishing long and fresh.
“New Age, Fresh and Crisp.”
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[2023 Vintage] – Gold Medal at 2024 Melbourne International Wine Competition
[2023 Vintage] – 95 Points by Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion 2025
[2021 Vintage] – 92 Points by Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion 2024
[2021 Vintage] – 93 Points Gold Medal & Best in Show, London Wine Competition 2023
[2019 Vintage] – 92 Points by James Halliday, 2021 Halliday Wine Companion
[2018 Vintage] – 93 Points by Nick Butler, The Real Review, April 2020
[2018 Vintage] – 94 Points by Stuart Knox, The Real Review, March 2020
[2018 Vintage] – 94 Points by James Halliday, 2021 Halliday Wine Companion
[2018 Vintage] – Bronze Medal at 2019 Yarra Valley Wine Show
[2017 Vintage] – 95 Points by James Halliday, 2019 Halliday Wine Companion
[2017 Vintage] – Top Gold (96 Points) and Best 2017 Chardonnay in Show Trophy at 2018 International Cool Climate Wine Show
[2017 Vintage] – Silver Medal at 2018 Melbourne International Wine Competition
[2017 Vintage] – Bronze Medal at 2018 Decanter World Wine Awards
[2017 Vintage] – Bronze Medal at 2018 Perth Royal Wine Awards
"The Upper Ngumby vineyard, west of Yarra Glen, offers a contrasting brighter, more citrus-defined expression of Chardonnay which highlights, as if it was needed, the great individuality of exceptional single vineyards. Planted to five clones, it is high in super fine aromatics of lemon citrus, grapefruit, apple and the lightest of spices. Singularly different to its ’24 sibling, Hexham Vineyard, but treated pretty much the same in the winery (this sees 15% new oak), Ngumby offers fine-laced acidity with a crisp, clean, linear drive through to the finish. Bright and assertive on the palate in zesty citrus, grapefruit, quince and summery white nectarine with a light dusting of spice and equally discreet oak, it is supple in texture and even. 95 Points."
Jeni Port for WinePilot, October 2025 [2024 Vintage]
"Another fine example of Soumah chardonnay from the 2024 season. This vineyard, about 10km from Hexham and just under one hundred metres above sea level, benefits from the nearby hills that shield the fruit from afternoon heat. The result is excellent fruit intensity carried by a defining minerality. The palate has textural weight with a complex weave of stone fruit, flint, roasted cashew and zippy melon. A creamy mouthfeel and well-judged oak complete the finish. 94 Points."
Ray Jordan for WinePilot, September 2025 [2024 Vintage]
"One of my favourite Chardonnay descriptors has long been warm, stretched Blu-Tack—strange to some but a core memory from old school days. This quality I often associate with some of my most cherished sites in Burgundy. Here, it arrives in abundance, offering a nostalgic and unmistakable expression of the wine’s mineral core. Aromas of white seashells, chalk dust, and lemon pith weave through, joined by cider apples and white flowers. The palate extends along long, vivid lines of acidity, with fleeting moments of green melon and almond milk at its centre. Oak contributes gentle creaminess and softened edges, wrapping everything neatly together. This is a magnified portrait of the Upper Ngumby site, and a fascinating wine to both taste and ponder. It calls for whiting fillets, pan-fried with lemon, alongside a cool cucumber salad. Drink now or will cellar further for another 4-5 years. 94 Points."
Shanteh Wale for WinePilot, September 2025 [2024 Vintage]
"There’s depth and substance to the aroma. Ginger, melon, some leesy pastry dough, candied grapefruit and a lick of flint. The new oak char intersperses it all, though not overtly so. Good texture here – it’s creamy and fulsome but with a nice citrus cut and mineral finesse slicing it up and keeping freshness. Tight, chalky phenolics put up a frame around notes mirroring the nose – melon, ginger, lemon juice, cedar and pastry dough. Pithy acidity builds nicely through the finish, drawing length and retaining said freshness. This is good drinking – it has concentration, complexity and firm architectural structure keeping linearity, vigour and vim. Nicely done. 94 Points."
Tom Kline for WinePilot, October 2025 [2024 Vintage]
“From a single 25-year-old vineyard planted in Yarra Glen. Fermented and matured in 20% new French oak. A light, bright green gold. A restrained and elegant nose featuring gentle white peach and apricot aromas together with a little acacia honey and some struck match. Gently waxy, saline and balanced on the palate with a fine vein of acidity coursing through the wine. This should cellar well for at least the next five to seven years. 95 Points.”
Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, April 2024 (2023 Vintage)
“Flinty chardonnay with excellent power. Lots of fruit here but taut and controlled with it. Grapefruit, nashi pear, nectarine territory. This is a wine with more than its fair share of presence. 93 Points.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Winefront, Sept 2020 (2019 Vintage)
“A soft, subtle wine with pear, grapefruit, meal and hints of tropical fruit running juicily through to an even-tempered finish. Emphasis on the word juicy. 92 Points.”
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion, August 2020 (2019 Vintage)
“There’s a pristine factor about this. Oyster shell, butter cream, gorgeous lemony drive plus citrus-y and grapefruit acidity to close. Fleshy white nectarines are the hero – just divine. Time in the glass reveals a captivating cameo from flinty characters. The oak is beautifully handled and adds another level of pleasure. You’d be a hard marker not to enjoy this. I certainly did. Perhaps too much. Drink to eight years+. 94 Points.”
Qwine/Steve Leszczynski, July 2020 (2019 Vintage)
“Appealing green mango notes at kick-off. BBQ chestnuts add a savoury line over bruised cider apples. A creaminess of texture gives richness and weight. Full-bodied power. 93 Points.”
Stuart Knox, The Real Review, March 2020 (2019 Vintage)
“A blend of five clones wild-fermented in French oak (part new) and matured for 9 months. Has a particular freshness for a warm vintage, the length also good. 94 Points.”
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion, August 2020 (2018 Vintage)
“Smoky sulfides make the first impression, a measured dose adding to this wine’s fine citrus aromatics. A mix of caramel and hazelnuts on the mid-palate held to account by a confident acid line. Right in its perfect drinking window. 93 Points.”
Nick Butler, The Real Review, April 2020 (2018 Vintage)
“Struck-match moments on white nectarines. Flows long and deep with those same aromatics. The tightrope of acid provides precision whilst quality fruit and deft winemaking adds power and complexity. 94 Points.”
Stuart Knox, The Real Review, March 2020 (2018 Vintage)
“Slightly more intensity all round than the Hexham (Chardonnay), and the texture is creamier. It’s complex, fresh and will build more flavour in bottle.”
Winewise, October 2019 (2018 Vintage)
“Leaner than the Hexham, there’s a sense of precision about this Chardonnay. White fleshed stonefruit the hero with an enticing texture which hits and sticks to the mid-palate. Flinty with well-integrated oak, lemons and old school lemonade grab hold at the death and urge for another sip. A winner.”
QWine, September 2019 (2018 Vintage)
“Vibrant citrus aromas with just a hint of melon, exquisite palate with ripe nectarines & smidge of limes, great structure, with a touch of steeliness, well integrated & svelte. DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!!!!!!”
Dan Traucki, August 2019 (2018 Vintage)
“The richest of the SOUMAH range, but doesn’t rely on sweetness (there is none) nor extraction. The balance and length are both exceptional, the pure varietal expression courtesy of grapefruit and zesty acidity. Will flourish with more time in bottle.”
Halliday Wine Companion 2019 (2017 Vintage)
“Aromas of struck-match, toasty barrels and creamy lees add complexity to candied peach and citrus fruit at the core. It’s harmoniously put together with medium-weight and attractive freshness. 90 Points.”
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Real Review, May 2019 (2018 Vintage)
2024
A drier and warmer winter, temperatures recording one-degree higher than typical. We were thinking 'El Nino' and drought, but then came 75% more rainfall than normal throughout spring with the following summer temperatures one-degree lower than typical. We had some settled weather around early November, which allowed great flowering and fruit set, laying the foundation for good yields. The overall cooler temperatures in summer produced excellent acidity which set us up for minimal intervention ferments and wines of great length and structure.
[2023 Vintage] – Gold Medal at 2024 Melbourne International Wine Competition
[2023 Vintage] – 95 Points by Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion 2025
[2021 Vintage] – 92 Points by Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion 2024
[2021 Vintage] – 93 Points Gold Medal & Best in Show, London Wine Competition 2023
[2019 Vintage] – 92 Points by James Halliday, 2021 Halliday Wine Companion
[2018 Vintage] – 93 Points by Nick Butler, The Real Review, April 2020
[2018 Vintage] – 94 Points by Stuart Knox, The Real Review, March 2020
[2018 Vintage] – 94 Points by James Halliday, 2021 Halliday Wine Companion
[2018 Vintage] – Bronze Medal at 2019 Yarra Valley Wine Show
[2017 Vintage] – 95 Points by James Halliday, 2019 Halliday Wine Companion
[2017 Vintage] – Top Gold (96 Points) and Best 2017 Chardonnay in Show Trophy at 2018 International Cool Climate Wine Show
[2017 Vintage] – Silver Medal at 2018 Melbourne International Wine Competition
[2017 Vintage] – Bronze Medal at 2018 Decanter World Wine Awards
[2017 Vintage] – Bronze Medal at 2018 Perth Royal Wine Awards
"The Upper Ngumby vineyard, west of Yarra Glen, offers a contrasting brighter, more citrus-defined expression of Chardonnay which highlights, as if it was needed, the great individuality of exceptional single vineyards. Planted to five clones, it is high in super fine aromatics of lemon citrus, grapefruit, apple and the lightest of spices. Singularly different to its ’24 sibling, Hexham Vineyard, but treated pretty much the same in the winery (this sees 15% new oak), Ngumby offers fine-laced acidity with a crisp, clean, linear drive through to the finish. Bright and assertive on the palate in zesty citrus, grapefruit, quince and summery white nectarine with a light dusting of spice and equally discreet oak, it is supple in texture and even. 95 Points."
Jeni Port for WinePilot, October 2025 [2024 Vintage]
"Another fine example of Soumah chardonnay from the 2024 season. This vineyard, about 10km from Hexham and just under one hundred metres above sea level, benefits from the nearby hills that shield the fruit from afternoon heat. The result is excellent fruit intensity carried by a defining minerality. The palate has textural weight with a complex weave of stone fruit, flint, roasted cashew and zippy melon. A creamy mouthfeel and well-judged oak complete the finish. 94 Points."
Ray Jordan for WinePilot, September 2025 [2024 Vintage]
"One of my favourite Chardonnay descriptors has long been warm, stretched Blu-Tack—strange to some but a core memory from old school days. This quality I often associate with some of my most cherished sites in Burgundy. Here, it arrives in abundance, offering a nostalgic and unmistakable expression of the wine’s mineral core. Aromas of white seashells, chalk dust, and lemon pith weave through, joined by cider apples and white flowers. The palate extends along long, vivid lines of acidity, with fleeting moments of green melon and almond milk at its centre. Oak contributes gentle creaminess and softened edges, wrapping everything neatly together. This is a magnified portrait of the Upper Ngumby site, and a fascinating wine to both taste and ponder. It calls for whiting fillets, pan-fried with lemon, alongside a cool cucumber salad. Drink now or will cellar further for another 4-5 years. 94 Points."
Shanteh Wale for WinePilot, September 2025 [2024 Vintage]
"There’s depth and substance to the aroma. Ginger, melon, some leesy pastry dough, candied grapefruit and a lick of flint. The new oak char intersperses it all, though not overtly so. Good texture here – it’s creamy and fulsome but with a nice citrus cut and mineral finesse slicing it up and keeping freshness. Tight, chalky phenolics put up a frame around notes mirroring the nose – melon, ginger, lemon juice, cedar and pastry dough. Pithy acidity builds nicely through the finish, drawing length and retaining said freshness. This is good drinking – it has concentration, complexity and firm architectural structure keeping linearity, vigour and vim. Nicely done. 94 Points."
Tom Kline for WinePilot, October 2025 [2024 Vintage]
“From a single 25-year-old vineyard planted in Yarra Glen. Fermented and matured in 20% new French oak. A light, bright green gold. A restrained and elegant nose featuring gentle white peach and apricot aromas together with a little acacia honey and some struck match. Gently waxy, saline and balanced on the palate with a fine vein of acidity coursing through the wine. This should cellar well for at least the next five to seven years. 95 Points.”
Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, April 2024 (2023 Vintage)
“Flinty chardonnay with excellent power. Lots of fruit here but taut and controlled with it. Grapefruit, nashi pear, nectarine territory. This is a wine with more than its fair share of presence. 93 Points.”
Campbell Mattinson, The Winefront, Sept 2020 (2019 Vintage)
“A soft, subtle wine with pear, grapefruit, meal and hints of tropical fruit running juicily through to an even-tempered finish. Emphasis on the word juicy. 92 Points.”
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion, August 2020 (2019 Vintage)
“There’s a pristine factor about this. Oyster shell, butter cream, gorgeous lemony drive plus citrus-y and grapefruit acidity to close. Fleshy white nectarines are the hero – just divine. Time in the glass reveals a captivating cameo from flinty characters. The oak is beautifully handled and adds another level of pleasure. You’d be a hard marker not to enjoy this. I certainly did. Perhaps too much. Drink to eight years+. 94 Points.”
Qwine/Steve Leszczynski, July 2020 (2019 Vintage)
“Appealing green mango notes at kick-off. BBQ chestnuts add a savoury line over bruised cider apples. A creaminess of texture gives richness and weight. Full-bodied power. 93 Points.”
Stuart Knox, The Real Review, March 2020 (2019 Vintage)
“A blend of five clones wild-fermented in French oak (part new) and matured for 9 months. Has a particular freshness for a warm vintage, the length also good. 94 Points.”
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion, August 2020 (2018 Vintage)
“Smoky sulfides make the first impression, a measured dose adding to this wine’s fine citrus aromatics. A mix of caramel and hazelnuts on the mid-palate held to account by a confident acid line. Right in its perfect drinking window. 93 Points.”
Nick Butler, The Real Review, April 2020 (2018 Vintage)
“Struck-match moments on white nectarines. Flows long and deep with those same aromatics. The tightrope of acid provides precision whilst quality fruit and deft winemaking adds power and complexity. 94 Points.”
Stuart Knox, The Real Review, March 2020 (2018 Vintage)
“Slightly more intensity all round than the Hexham (Chardonnay), and the texture is creamier. It’s complex, fresh and will build more flavour in bottle.”
Winewise, October 2019 (2018 Vintage)
“Leaner than the Hexham, there’s a sense of precision about this Chardonnay. White fleshed stonefruit the hero with an enticing texture which hits and sticks to the mid-palate. Flinty with well-integrated oak, lemons and old school lemonade grab hold at the death and urge for another sip. A winner.”
QWine, September 2019 (2018 Vintage)
“Vibrant citrus aromas with just a hint of melon, exquisite palate with ripe nectarines & smidge of limes, great structure, with a touch of steeliness, well integrated & svelte. DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!!!!!!”
Dan Traucki, August 2019 (2018 Vintage)
“The richest of the SOUMAH range, but doesn’t rely on sweetness (there is none) nor extraction. The balance and length are both exceptional, the pure varietal expression courtesy of grapefruit and zesty acidity. Will flourish with more time in bottle.”
Halliday Wine Companion 2019 (2017 Vintage)
“Aromas of struck-match, toasty barrels and creamy lees add complexity to candied peach and citrus fruit at the core. It’s harmoniously put together with medium-weight and attractive freshness. 90 Points.”
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Real Review, May 2019 (2018 Vintage)
2024
A drier and warmer winter, temperatures recording one-degree higher than typical. We were thinking 'El Nino' and drought, but then came 75% more rainfall than normal throughout spring with the following summer temperatures one-degree lower than typical. We had some settled weather around early November, which allowed great flowering and fruit set, laying the foundation for good yields. The overall cooler temperatures in summer produced excellent acidity which set us up for minimal intervention ferments and wines of great length and structure.
Accolades
Accolades
Experience This Wine
Aromatics of nectarine and ripe citrus are balanced by a mineral edge of wet stone and a sweet melon character. White peach is present on the palate, integrated with subtle oak and a silky, fresh finish.
Chicken saltimbocca, baked cauliflower, steamed baby carrots and herb oil.
The Yarra Valley is possibly the ultimate region in Australia for fresh, new-age Chardonnay. Our goal is simple: add to that reputation with premium, definitive vineyard sites and exacting viticulture to create a modern, premium Chardonnay. The fruit was whole bunched pressed and barrel fermented with 100% wild yeast. The wine was then matured on lees in these barriques and puncheons for eight months with some secondary fermentation to create depth and finesse.
The Upper Ngumby vineyard is within the confines of Yarra Glen, sloping gently east. It is protected from the late afternoon sun by the Christmas Hills, rising up to the west.
Aromatics of nectarine and ripe citrus are balanced by a mineral edge of wet stone and a sweet melon character. White peach is present on the palate, integrated with subtle oak and a silky, fresh finish.
Chicken saltimbocca, baked cauliflower, steamed baby carrots and herb oil.
The Yarra Valley is possibly the ultimate region in Australia for fresh, new-age Chardonnay. Our goal is simple: add to that reputation with premium, definitive vineyard sites and exacting viticulture to create a modern, premium Chardonnay. The fruit was whole bunched pressed and barrel fermented with 100% wild yeast. The wine was then matured on lees in these barriques and puncheons for eight months with some secondary fermentation to create depth and finesse.
The Upper Ngumby vineyard is within the confines of Yarra Glen, sloping gently east. It is protected from the late afternoon sun by the Christmas Hills, rising up to the west.
