We are thrilled to welcome the fourth release of Lake’s Folly as part of the CellarHand family.
Known for their exceptional quality and unique story, Lake’s Folly has become one of the most sought-after wine growers in Australia and beyond. Beginning in 1963 with Doctor Max Lake, a larger-than-life character, hand-surgeon by trade, with a passion for viticulture and winemaking. Max purchased a 13-hectare Hunter Valley plot of land from the Tyrrell family with the intention of growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Word soon got out that a ‘Pitt Street farmer’ was planting the wrong variety – as many growers in the community dubbed the decision ‘foolish’ – the region was much more renowned for growing Shiraz. But alas, this decision held no fear with Lake, with his response being: “Well, if I’m a fool, then this is my folly!” That heralded the birth of Lake’s Folly. In 1969, its famous Chardonnay was planted. Lake would later go on to be awarded an OAM in 2002, for ‘service to the establishment of the boutique wine industry in Australia’. The wines have continued to evolve and impress ever since.
In the early 2000s, the Fogarty family purchased the business, respectfully carrying on the legacy and tradition. Winemaker and general manager Rodney Kempe has been with the business since 2000—the longest-serving winemaker in its 60-year history—and has just completed his 24th vintage on the property. Born and raised in the Hunter, he’s experienced 36 vintages in the Valley altogether—truly an expert of the region. This is clearly demonstrated in the wines, and the loyalty and demand for Lake’s Folly have only grown and strengthened. We are so excited to have them with us, an important piece of Australia’s wine fabric, and did we mention, they taste delicious?
As always, these wines are extremely limited and are under strict allocation.
The Wines
2025 Lake’s Folly Chardonnay RRP $142
100% Chardonnay, grown on our single-site estate vineyard, in Pokolbin, Lower Hunter Valley. The Chardonnay vines are grown on the flat southern edge of the estate, on white loamy clay. 100% estate-grown, handpicked, partial tank ferment (half its sugar content), then sent to French barrels (a mix of barriques and puncheons, 33% new, 1-year-old and 2-year-old oak). The lees were stirred every fortnight to help create a seamless, textured Chardonnay that is highly prized. Upon release, the wine is tight and marginally leaner than some other vintages, with excellent structure and balance.
Pear and white peach aromas with nicely integrated, subtle French oak. The palate at this early stage is fine and delicate–in part, a reflection of the higher yield this vintage.
Peach and hints of tropical fruits flow onto the palate, which is seamless and textured from the eight months on yeast lees. A spine of natural acidity gives the wine length and persistence. A wine for the ages, which will benefit from cellaring to show its full potential in 3+ years and continue to improve for 10-15 years to come. – Rodney Kempe, Lake’s Folly
Not that I’m an expert on Lake’s Folly Chardonnay, but I reckon this is one of the best they have made. It offers an extra degree of finesse, though not at the expense of flavour. Juicy grilled peach, ripe lime, almond, cedar, a wattle in bloom perfume – that waxy pollen sort of thing. It’s medium-bodied, with a fresh tang to acidity, bright and flinty, no shortage of flavour, though it’s a little more refined and tighter than many releases. It finishes long and crisp with a twist of lime rind. Has some sunshine about it, but in a balanced and delicious way. It’s a cracking release. 95 points. Gary Walsh, The Winefront Apr 2026
2024 Lake’s Folly Cabernets RRP $142
100% estate-grown, handpicked, open-fermented, hand-plunged and hand-bucketed to big French casks (1350 litres) for six months. The wine then spends another 12 months in 225-litre French barrique (33% new, 1-year-old and 2-year-old oak).
Perfumed lifted nose of mulberry, blackberry, and raspberry with hints of coffee. The palate sees the same berry flavours carry over, with smooth, mid-palate weight, supported by classy French oak and a hint of toasty oak. A seamless wine with great length and persistence of flavour. – Rodney Kempe, Lake’s Folly
