2019 Langton’s James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge Winner Announced!

ChardonnayChallenge — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 03:00:38 +0000

Congratulations to Oakridge Wines for being crowned champion at the Langton’s James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge with their 2017 864 Funder and Diamond Chardonnay.

Scoring 96 out of a total 100 points, Oakridge’s 2017 864 Funder and Diamond Chardonnay is a single block, single vineyard wine that has taken out the top prize from over 400 other entries from regions across the country.

“This year brought together many fine examples of chardonnay from around the country,” James Halliday said.

“The pristine, expressive and genre-leading Oakridge 864 Chardonnay profoundly reflects the power of the Yarra Valley landscape, an enduring Yarra Valley classic” James Halliday describes the winning wine.

Congratulations also to our Regional Winners:

2017 First Creek Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay – 95 points
2018 Paringa Estate Estate Chardonnay – 95 points
2017 Indigo Vineyard Secret Village Chardonnay – 95 points
2017 Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay – 96 points
2018 Credaro Family Estate 1000 Crowns Chardonnay – 96 points
2018 Pike and Joyce Wines Kay Reserve Chardonnay – 96 points

Click here for full results.

2019 Entries Opening

ChardonnayChallenge — Mon, 20 May 2019 02:07:33 +0000

The 2019 Langton’s James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge entries will open on Monday 3rd June, at 4pm.

Judging will take place from Monday 26th August – 29th August in the Yarra Valley. Click here for other important dates, information on the judges and how to enter the Langton’s James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge for 2019.

Although the Chardonnay Challenge was born in the Yarra Valley, last year saw the first winner from the Yarra Valley with A. Rodda Wines, 2017 Willow Lake Chardonnay.

Scoring 97 out of 100, the Upper-Yarra chardonnay produced by Adrian Rodda took out the top trophy from 543 wines from 36 regions around the country.

“To win the ultimate chardonnay award in the country is extraordinary, not only for the exceptional standard of Australian chardonnay right now but because it also bears the name of James Halliday,” Adrian said.

Think you have what it takes to win the Langton’s James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge for 2019? Click here to find out how to enter.

2018 Langton’s James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge Winner

ChardonnayChallenge — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 05:00:03 +0000

A Yarra Valley wine, the 2017 Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay from A. Rodda Wines, won the Langton’s James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge for the first time since the challenge began in 2012.

Scoring a total of 97 out of 100 points, the chardonnay produced by Adrian Rodda from grapes grown on the Upper Yarra Valley Willowlake Vineyard near Gladysdale, took out the top wine award from 543 other chardonnay wines entered into this year’s challenge from 36 regions.

Although the Yarra Valley is home to the Langton’s James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge, the region had not yet won the top gold of the competition until this year.

Adrian said to win the top wine of the Yarra Valley class was an achievement in itself, given the number of quality wines from the region.

“To then come out on top against the rest of the country is truly remarkable, and very humbling,” said Adrian.

“This result, first and foremost is a testament to the Willowlake Vineyard and the hard work of the viticulturalist Tim Wray and his crew to grow such high quality chardonnay.”

“I feel privileged to make wine from such a special place and region.”