PIERRE YVES COLIN MOREY Les Champlots Premier Cru, St-Aubin

Yarra Yering, well known for their pristine and elegant red wines, also make one of the Yarra Valley's premier Chardonnays. Made solely from the original 1969 plantings, the Yarra Yering Chardonnay is fermented traditionally in open top fermenters and crafted to age in bottle for extended periods. The wine goes through 100% malolactic fermentation which adds complexity and roundness without foregoing natural acidity and structure. Aged in 40% new French oak, this classic white wine combines intense opulence with finesse & textural flintiness.

This parcel is located on the upper slopes above the Meursault 1er Cru Genevrières appellation. The clay/limestone soil has a subsoil of extremely hard white rock riddled with fissures. These allow the roots to circulate through the white limestone. The parcels southern exposure, coupled with a steady 20% slope, affords the grapes excellent ventilation leading to a harvest that is both ripe and healthy. The wine often presents aromas of candied orange (or other citrus fruits) on the nose and in the mouth.

CLOTILDE DAVENNE Chablis Vieilles Vignes Chablis is a superb winegrowing region entirely dedicated to Chardonnay. Clotilde Davenne Chablis comes from the village of Courgis, right next door to her winery in Prehy. Pale in colour with hints of green, the Chablis Vieilles Vignes offers a nice freshness and aromatic nose of fresh fruits, white flowers and dried fruit. The mineral aromas, of flint in particular, make it sing.

Is this Australia's best Chardonnay? If not then it shares the rarified air reserved for only the finest examples. Rich yet restrained, with mineral notes, cashew and almond meal, amazing fruit complexity and wonderful length...why not try the benchmark?