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This is an outstanding example of a white Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru. Formerly planted with Pinot Noir, this plot was grubbed up in January 1988, after producing good yields for 45 years, and replanted with Chardonnay in 1990. This change illustrates Chassagne-Montrachet's shift towards white wines dating from the 1980s in the light of the strong worldwide demand for Chardonnay-based wines. Not all the plots in Chassagne Montrachet are suited to this grape variety, however, and every change must be made in conformity with the appellation laws (to ensure quality) and in full respect of the terroir and its uniqueness. Thus, Chardonnay was only planted in this vineyard after careful consideration, producing its first vintage of white wine in 1992.

The Kevin John Chardonnay is Cullens flagship white from their biodynamic vineyards. A refined and elegant style brimming with white peach and citrus, showing bakery nutty complexity and deft oak integration. The wine is named in honour of Vanya Cullens father, the late Kevin John Cullen. Grapes are harvested on a flower or fruit day and whole-bunch pressed to obtain the highest quality juice. It is then barrel fermented with native yeasts in French oak barriques and matured for approximately 7 months in one- third new and two-thirds seasoned oak barrels.

Moreau’s village Chablis is drawn mostly from 20 to 30 year old vineyards in Préhy and Courgis, both in the south of Chablis. Then, there are parcels in Chablis and Chichée (under the Premier Cru Vaugiraut). All up, the domaine has the luxury of working with 30 parcels scattered across the appellation, representing a variety of soil structures and exposures. All the fruit from the younger vines is sold off in bulk, which perennially helps Moreau deliver a Chablis greater than the sum of its parts. The Chablis was picked over various dates, depending on the plot. The fruit was subject to a very gentle four-hour press, and the juice was fermented with natural yeasts (a rarity in Chablis). It was raised mostly in tank, yet the élevage was unhurried. This spent 20 months on lees, considerably longer than most Chablis of this level. These traditional methods, along with hand-harvesting, the quality of the terroir, low yields and the full ripeness levels at which the fruit is harvested help to explain the mouth coating texture, salty depths and the quality that is on offer.

You could pay twice the price for a wine of this quality. A true gem of Australian Chardonnay, it has the complexity, depth and sheer deliciousness to hold its own against any challenger.

The home of truly elegant, yet powerful Chardonnay is without question, Chassagne-Montrachet. When you marry the unique terroir of this ancient site and the winemaking expertise of Louis Latour domaine, the result is the rich and engaging white wine. Complex flavours of peach and nectarine flow across the palate which finishes with a minerality the envy of most Chardonnay producers. Wonderfully attractive when young - buoyant and lively - yet will age for more than a decade to reveal toasty, textured buttered notes.

Whilst Chavys have been living in Puligny Montrachet for over 200 years it was not until 1986 that Gerard Chavy started to estate bottle his own wine (previously the wines were sold to negotiants). This Chardonnay by Jean-Louis Chavy is based on 20-60 year old vines. Les Tremblot, (more Puligny in character, as the soil is argileous, says Jean-Louis); Les Meix, Les Levrons (more rounded wine for there are more stones and gravel here and it is not so heavy), Corvée des Vignes and Les Reuchaux.

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.

The parcels which makes up the Meursault 1er Cru Genevrières lie at the very heart of the villages great 1ers Crus hillside. Here the soil is clay/limestone with a subsoil that varies between fallen rock, volcanic rock and white limestone. The wine is a fine example of the Meursault style with great finesse, mineral notes, opulence and a beautiful finish that never becomes heavy.