Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay, Hawkes Bay The lions share of Trinity Hills grapes comes from the Gimblett Gravels region, in the lee of Roys Hill. The gravelly soils were left behind by the Ngaruroro River as it changed course over time. The low fertility soils offer little kindness to the vines, forcing them to work and work to produce small crops of great flavour and aromatic concentration. The low fertility soils offer little kindness to the vines, forcing them to work and work to produce small crops of great flavour and aromatic concentration. The Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay shows a tight structure and shape, intensity and finesse.

Barrel fermentation and maturation in French oak barriques with partial malolactic has imparted texture and complexity to the minerally grapefruit flavours of this Chardonnay from WA's south-west corner.

The wines of Fraser Gallop Estate are intensely flavoured, textured and complex. Only the finest quality French oak barrels are used for all Fraser Gallop Estate wines, with very specific Bordelais coopers used for the Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends, and Burgundian coopers for the Chardonnay. The complete winemaking process takes place at the estate - picking to vinification to barrel maturation to bottling to cellaring. Fraser Gallop Estate is an estate grown, produced and bottled wine. Flavours of lemon curd and grapefruit with searing length. A wine with clarity and finesse. A tightly focussed and very precise wine showing seamless fruit purity with the lightly toasted French oak very much in the background. Crystalline acidity and a mouth-watering finish complete this Chardonnay.

A classic Peninsula Chardonnay with richness and complexity and underlying elegance. Peach and tropical fruit aromas combine well with nutty creamy oak and the palate is full flavoured and long.

The citrus rind and grapefuit lead the palate to an overall fine yet textural journey. Cape Mentelle Chardonnay had this distinctive minerally line too, apparent with focussed refreshing acidity. Faint nuancesof soft nougat and cashews also add to what is a harmonious balance and an elegant and length finish.

A fine and quite flinty modern expression of Margaret River Chardonnay. Finer and leaner it might be in some ways, but the unmistakable power and persistence of the region still triumphs. Complex mealy grapefruit and roasted nut characters on the nose, and a deep and richly intense palate power through to the finish.

This wonderful Chardonnay displays an intense bouquet of complex white peach, citrus fruit and minerally undertones. The palate is long, clean and elegant.

Pale, straw colour with insinuations of green. Overt, ripe varietal fruit characters on the nose - pineapple, citrus and nectarine derived are from the warm vintage conditions. Mineral characters, orange blossom and almond meal along with some lees derived creaminess are all balanced within this multi-dimensional palate.

Clear, brightly straw-coloured with flecks of green in the glass, there is a complex nose with scents of citrus fruits and chalky minerals. The palate is fresh and lively, bounding up with fine minerality and well balanced acid.

Scotchmans Hills Chardonnay shows all the classical cool-climate melony varietal characters which are are perfectly integrated with light oak and restrained malo-lactic influence. Drinking beautifully now try it with rich seafood dishes.

The bouquet is an enticing mix of white field flowers, grapefruit, pear essence and brioche. Enriched with layers of nougat and nut-meal, the palate's fine, creamy texture is supported by toasted vanillin oak. A bright citrus and chalky lactic acidity adds restraint and length to finish the wine. 'This latest release from the partnership of Jeff Burch and Burgundian winemaker Pasca Marchand is one of the best. Comes off a high point in the Porongurups, with the fruit being naturally fermented and then given 10 months on yeast lees to gather complexity. Intensely powerful, this is a statement of classic, cooler-climate chardonnay. Has become one of the fi nest releases each year. 97/100' - Weekend West, Perth, 28 Jun 2014, by Ray Jordan.