Oakridge’s 864 Funder & Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay 2022 Named ‘Wine of the Year’ at the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards

Prominent Yarra Valley winery, Oakridge Wines, has been awarded the prestigious Wine of the Year title for its 864 Funder & Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay 2022 at the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Awards. The announcement was made during the gala event held on Wednesday, the 7th of August at The Common Collectives in Melbourne. 

‍

Oakridge Wines is celebrated for its diverse portfolio, which includes chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and sparkling blanc de blancs. This recognition underscores the winery's mastery in crafting benchmark chardonnays under the guidance of longstanding chief winemaker, David Bicknell, described by Wine Companion Tasting Judge, Philip Rich as the "Godfather of modern Australian chardonnay." 

‍

David Bicknell has been crafting Oakridge wines since 2002, with the 2022 vintage of the 864 Funder & Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay representing the 11th iteration of this highly acclaimed single block wine. 

‍

“It’s the culmination of a generation's work, involving a whole group of people,” he said. 

‍

“And we’ve got a team of amazing depth and talent. It's important to recognise Senior Viticulturist Steve Faulkner, Vineyard Operations Manager Georgina Jacobs as well as the whole viticultural team. The work they have put in is what gives us the ability in the winery to create something like this.” 

‍

The Funder & Diamond vineyard, known for its mature vines planted in the red volcanic soils of Wandin East, consistently produces exceptional fruit. 

‍

David describes the low-yielding Drive Block as metronomic in what it does, regardless of the season. 

‍

The 2022 vintage he considers to be of particularly high calibre, calling it one of the best of the past decade. Despite facing challenges throughout the growing season, and extremely low yields, the wines produced were of exceptional quality and fruit purity. Chardonnay was a standout, with the later than average harvest producing wines of remarkable natural acidity. 

‍

“A wine like the 864 Chardonnay captures a moment in time, but it's always about looking forward and how we can improve,” David said. “I believe our best wines are still ahead of us.” 

‍

Each year, the Halliday Wine Companion guide selects the best Australian wines, winemakers, and wineries from a vast pool of entries. The final judging event, which recalled 100 standout wines from an initial review pool of 7,500, highlights the competitive nature and high standards of this prestigious event. 

‍

While the 864 Funder & Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay took centre stage at this year's awards, also winning ‘Chardonnay of the Year’ and ‘White Wine of the Year,’ the winery's overall performance in the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion ratings was equally outstanding. 

‍

An impressive 19 out of the 20 wines submitted received scores of 95 points or higher. 

‍

Notably, eight of these wines were awarded an exceptional 97 points or more, showcasing Oakridge’s expertise across a diverse range of varieties. 

‍

In addition to these accolades, Oakridge Wines was honoured with a Top Five Star Winery rating for the 17th consecutive year, underscoring its consistent commitment to quality and excellence. 

‍

As Oakridge Wines celebrates these remarkable achievements, the winery extends its heartfelt gratitude to its dedicated team, loyal customers, and esteemed partners for their continued support and contribution to its ongoing success. 

‍

This release will also feature the 864 Henk Aqueduct Block Chardonnay 2022, 864 Henk Aqueduct Block Pinot Noir 2023, 864 Close-Planted Block Syrah 2022, and 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. 

‍

Oakridge also maintained the Halliday Top 5 Star Winery rating, reflecting consistent and exemplary wine quality and typicity. 

‍

OAKRIDGE WINES 2025 HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION RESULTS 

‍

Top Five Star Winery - 17th consecutive year 

An outstanding winery regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity – truly the best of the best. 

‍

98pts 

• 2022 Oakridge 864 Funder & Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay Chardonnay of the Year/ White Wine of the Year / Wine of the Year ‍
• 2022 Oakridge 864 Henk Aqueduct Block Chardonnay 
• 2022 Oakridge 864 Henk Aqueduct Block Pinot Noir 

‍

97pts

• 2017 Oakridge Blanc de Blancs 
• 2022 Oakridge Vineyard Series Willowlake Pinot Noir 
• 2022 Oakridge Vineyard Series Oakridge Shiraz 
• 2022 Oakridge Original Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 
• 2022 Oakridge 864 Winery Block Cabernet Sauvignon 

‍

96pts 

• 2022 Oakridge Sauvignon 
• 2022 Oakridge Vineyard Series Henk Chardonnay 
• 2022 Oakridge Vineyard Series Willowlake Chardonnay 
• 2022 Oakridge Vineyard Series Hazeldene Chardonnay 
• 2022 Oakridge Vineyard Series Henk Pinot Noir 
• 2022 864 Close-Planted Syrah 
• 2022 Oakridge Vineyard Series Barkala Cabernet Sauvignon 
• 2022 Oakridge Vineyard Series Hyde Park Cabernet Sauvignon 

‍

95pts 

• 2023 Oakridge Horst Riesling 
• 2022 Oakridge Vineyard Series Hazeldene Pinot Noir 
• 2022 Oakridge Vineyard Series Hyde Park Shiraz 

‍

93pts 

• 2023 Oakridge Meunier 

‍

Resources 

For more information about Oakridge Wines and their award-winning portfolio of wines, please visit www.oakridgewines.com.au. 

‍

About Oakridge Wines: 

Oakridge Wines is an award-winning winery, cellar door, and restaurant located in Coldstream, Victoria. 

‍

Established in 1978, Oakridge is recognised internationally for producing outstanding and distinctive single vineyard wines of exemplary quality, crafting benchmark chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, sparkling blanc de blancs and other varietals, under the guiding hand of highly talented and longstanding chief winemaker David Bicknell (2017 Winemaker of the Year - GT Wine). 

‍

In 2023, Oakridge was named The Real Review’s Winery of the Year, and the Halliday Wine Companion #1 Winery (Top 100 Wineries). Oakridge’s iconic 864 Funder & Diamond Drive Block Chardonnay was voted Australia’s Best Chardonnay in the 2022 Halliday Wine

‍

Companion. In 2018, this exceptional wine was inducted into the prestigious Langton’s Classification. 

‍

Now part of the Endeavour Group, Oakridge Wines falls under the Paragon Wine Estates umbrella which manages a collection of award-winning and premium heritage wineries and wine brands in some of the finest growing regions around Australia and New Zealand. 

‍

Contact: 

Stacey Fitzmaurice 

Assistant Brand Manager 

[email protected]