Domaine Christophe Patrice Chablis
Christophe Patrice, a winemaker from the village of Beine in Chablis, has a deep connection to the land and winemaking. In 1996, he joined his family's business but later established his own vineyard in 2006. In 2011, he acquired the prestigious Daniel Roblot estate, expanding his domaine to 22 hectares. The vineyards span across Beine, Courgis, and Chablis, showcasing the region's diversity. Sustainability and respect for the land are paramount to Christophe, who follows a lutte raisonnée approach to vineyard management. With low planting density, the vines have space to thrive. Stainless steel tanks are used to vinify the wines, preserving the pure essence of the Chardonnay fruit. From Petit Chablis to Chablis Premier Cru Beauregard, Christophe's portfolio reflects his dedication to excellence. Christophe Patrice's winemaking approach is marked by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the unique qualities of Chablis terroir. Sustainability is a central focus, with vineyards in Beine, Courgis, and Chablis managed carefully to preserve the land for future generations. The winemaking process emphasizes harmony between nature and craftsmanship, with grapes pressed and fermented exclusively in stainless steel tanks to allow the true character of Chardonnay grapes to shine without oak influence. Malolactic conversion and lees aging add complexity and texture to the Chablis wines, while the VdF Chardonnay follows a different path, showcasing vibrant fruit character without malolactic conversion or lees aging. All wines are vegan-friendly, crafted with ethical and environmentally conscious practices. Chablis is a highly acclaimed white wine hailing from the northernmost part of Burgundy, France. Its reputation lies in its distinctive character and ability to showcase the specific qualities of its terroir. Unlike many other Chardonnay wines, Chablis is typically not aged in oak barrels, resulting in a refreshing and mineral-driven flavour profile. The cool climate and limestone-rich soil of the region contribute to its unique taste, featuring hints of citrus, green apple, and a flinty mineral essence. Chablis wines are categorized into various appellations, such as Grand Cru and Premier Cru, signifying the finest vineyard locations. The sheer purity and refinement of Chablis have made it a sought-after choice among wine enthusiasts worldwide. The Domaine Christophe Patrice Chablis 2022 enchants with its radiant golden hue, captivating the senses from the first glance. Delicate and alluring, the nose reveals an intense bouquet of white flowers and vibrant citrus fruit, harmoniously intertwined with a mineral symphony of flint and gunflint. On the palate, this white wine unfurls with a lively and mineral-driven character, showcasing the essence of lime zest, crisp green apple and the subtle touch of stones. Meticulous winemaking techniques have resulted in a wine of remarkable richness and complexity, unveiling intriguing aromatic nuances reminiscent of fresh croissant and baked apple. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this Chablis embraces its pure expression, free from the influence of oak, allowing the bright and mineralic qualities of the variety to shine through. It stands as a testament to the exceptional quality of Chardonnay and serves as a true reflection of the esteemed Chablis region, an embodiment of the winemaker's skill and dedication, Christophe Patrice.
Domaine Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis
Defaix's Petit Chablis is drawn exclusively from Kimmeridgian-based soils unlike most Petit that generally comes from the low-lying sites on Portlandian limestone to the north of the commune. It's not necessarily the type of limestone but its location that makes the difference, with Defaix's small parcel being very well situated for this level, high on the slopes of Milly. With juicy apple and stone fruit aromas and flavours, pulpy texture, a vibrant, cool close, it's a wine "on the fruit" as the French would say. It reflects both the depth of the vintage and the cool soils of the region. Certified organic.'An expressive nose blends notes of iodine and sea breeze with those of a mix of yellow orchard fruit. There is good richness to the very round and seductively textured flavors that possess evident salinity on the delicious finale. This should drink well almost immediately.' - Allen Meadows.
Moss Wood Semillon
This is a wonderfully concentrated wine. Complex on the nose with aromas of lemon, green apple and fig the palate shows lively flavours of citrus and melon and a beautifully textured crisp and long finish.
Petaluma Chardonnay
A complex array of melon fig and cashew aromas is followed by a typically elegant and subtle palate with beautifully integrated oak. Petaluma had set a benchmark in Australian Chardonnay.
Sidewood Mappinga Chardonnay
Medium straw in colour this wine by Sidewood displays lifted white peach, fig, pear and pistachio nuts on the nose. This barrel fermented Adelaide Hills Chardonnay offers superbly structured characters. It is tight and lean, laced with citrus lime and tropical fruit characters. Some lovely subtle complexities from careful oak maturation on lees include nutmeg, sage spice and pistachio flavours which linger on the after taste. A lovely crisp wine now, that will benefit from some short term cellaring once bottled. Serve with Asian style broth, mushroom based dishes or Lobster bisque is a great match to this Chardonnays complexity in flavour, but finesse in structure.
Peter Lehmann Wigan Riesling
Peter Lehmann, icon of the Barossa Valley, has been churning out award winning Rieslings like it's childs play recently. The Wigan Riesling with all its lifted aromatics of citrus and white flowers followed by a complex palate that lingers has again picked up award and award.
Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris
Lawson's Dry Hills is a family owned winery in Marlborough, focussed on the production of quality wine. Their Pinot Gris is a nod to the old world, with a leesy texture and a touch of residual sugar, this is a wine of finesse and elegance.
Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling
Conceived as a white wine development program, the Bin 51 Riesling soon became one of Penfolds' star performers. Eden Valley is an obvious choice of region for Riesling due to the higher altitude and cool climate. The wine offers delicate aromas of fresh cut apples and pears with a twist of lemon and minerality towards the end. A great deal of fruits and acidity makes for an interesting white wine with propensity to age gracefully if carefully cellared.
Henschke Peggy's Hill Riesling
The colour of gold struck through with green, this Riesling shows classic lime and mineral aromas with a touch of gooseberry. Rich and full-bodied, the citrus and tropical fruit flavours are underpinned by crisp acidity.
Peter Lehmann Margaret Semillon
A multiple award winner, this gorgeous Barossa Semillon from Peter Lehmann is showing complex aromas of nuts, lanolin, beeswax and honeyed overtones. The palate is fresh with wonderful breadth and lemony/honeyed aged characters. Serving it up to those in the Hunter Valley quite nicely!