Murdoch Hill Rocket Chardonnay 2024

97 POINTS

Katrina Butler - Halliday Wine Companion

From two low-yielding Lenswood blocks, 45% new French oak (mix of puncheon and barrique), 100% mlf, 10 months' maturation on lees. This wine nearly burned a hole in my tasting bench, such was my anticipation to look at it. The '24 Rocket is tight and powerful, with momentous drive. The acidity courses through at subsonic speed, with gunflint, green apple and white peach clinging in the thrill of its wake. Savoury notes and grapefruit pith reign supreme this vintage, the smell of quartz broken open, water running through, ozone and mineral texture. Grilled lime and crushed nuts expand over the palate through the finish, which is decidedly long. Catch your breath, out-of-this-world good.

96 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2024 The Rocket Chardonnay leads with a spicy reduction on the nose, with notes of freshly picked curry leaf, caper brine, preserved lemon rind and yellow peach. In the mouth, the wine is crunchy, saline, textural and expansive. Far from clipping the fruit, the reduction feels to open it up through the finish, showing real freedom of expression and ease. This is a beautiful wine, one that is as delicate as it is a statement of winemaking. It seems effortless, despite the clear effort. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

96 POINTS

Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front

This is super flinty and super good. It’s Rock-et star material. White peach, lactose, pear, white flowers and struck match scents and flavours charge through the palate in the most convincing and authoriative of manners. It’s not heavy but it’s powerful, and impressive, and ultimately sensationally long. Brine and dried herb notes appear as it breathes but regardless of the individual flavours, the effect is the same. This is top quality chardopnnay, start to finish.