A fine-boned Chardonnay that reflects vintage conditions and the character of a unique vineyard site purchased by Shaw + Smith in 2012. Inaugural vintage: 2014. Planted in 1999, the vineyard has east and west facing aspects and reaches 500 meters above sea level. The soil is brown loam over clay with some broken shale and stone on the ridges. The wine is100% hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, then fermented and matured on lees in 500-litre French oak puncheons (30% new) for 9 months.

Margaret River is a world renowned Chardonnay producing region and Pierro can rightfully stake a claim as to why. Incredibly complex, it is a tangle of fine-boned acid, lees complexity, pristine fruit and the most detailed use of good quality oak. Extremely enjoyable now, but will benefit from short to medium term cellaring.

The Beechworth terroir has a distinctive fruit character of pear/peach fruit. The oak has minimal impact by using older French oak and mainly puncheons. The warm year has meant less citrus lift but has bran meal notes from the wild ferment and extended lees contact. The palate is quite rich with zesty acid line through to the finish. Drinking well now but will improve with further bottle age. Maybe leave the 2012 and 2013 for a couple more years and enjoy this in its place. Enjoy with Seafood to light meats.

Since the early 90's, Penfolds have been producing Chardonnay from the cool climate region of Tumbarumba. The Chardonnay is elegant with white florals, stone fruits and a great acidity structure. Maturation in French Oak gives the Bin 311 a subtle nutty savoury flavour through and through. A great all season wine for all sorts of occasions.

FABIEN COCHE, Bourgogne Chardonnay Grandes Coutures

Graceful chardonnay woven with whispers of new French oak. From the cool climate single vineyard; Coal River Valley, Tasmania. Handpicked on a fruit day on the full harvest moon, whole bunch pressed, wild ferment en new demi-muid. Matured for 12 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered with perfect natural balance.