Under the winemaking direction of Michael Brajkovich, MW, the village label is the first tier in the Kumeu River portfolio. From vineyards around the Kumeu area, it is a wild yeast ferment Chardonnay with 100% whole bunch pressing and malo. One third is barrel fermented and the whole package seeks to highlight the white peach and flintiness that makes the area famous.

The Tate family are one of the most famous wine names in Western Australia, especially in Margaret River. It was the Tate family who began Evans & Tate decades ago and today the Tate name is re-born under the Franklin Tate Estates label. Franklin, son of John, has sourced some of the most prestigious vineyard sites in Margaret River and has highly regarded winemaker Rory Clifton-Parks to hand-craft the quality wines, like this traditional Chardonnay.

The grapesfor this wine were picked from our 40 year old vines grown in the volcanic soilof the ancient Fordwich Sill. These low yielding mature vines produce ripe, concentrated fruitwhich results in a wine with excellent regional and varietal characters.

Evans & Tate is arguable the most famous name in Western Australia wine, and now the Tate name has been re-born in the Franklin Tate Estates wines made by esteemed winemaker, Rory Clifton-Parks. Franklin Tate himself has sought out the finest vineyard sites in the Margaret River region to deliver superb, terroir driven, wines that showcase the tradition and longevity of the Tate name, but also a modern and innovative wine-making approach. The Chardonnay was one third fermented in fine French Oak barriques delivery a soft and creamy mouthfeel, yet still with varietal lift and fine acid balance.

Penfolds Maxs Chardonnay is a tribute to former Chief Winemaker Max Schubert, a legend in Penfolds history. Pale straw in colour with green hues, this wine has a very nice textural and creamy palate with a soft line of acid fading ever so slowly to a distant palate horizon.

Taylors Jaraman Chardonnay has lifted, complex aromas of subtle white peach and nectarine along with secondary aromas of cream and cashew nuts from lees stirring and oak maturation. The Clare Valley component delivers mid-palate weight and richness with fleshy stone fruit flavours of yellow nectarine and white peach, while the Adelaide Hills component delivers elegance and length with restrained citrus flavours to the mid-palate.

Parker Coonawarra Estate was established in 1985 with an uncompromising approach to quality. This Chardonnay adheres to these strict viticulture and winemaking standards, resulting in a finely structured wine, with natural acidity, elegance, flavour and a fresh, clean finish.

Petaluma use their impressive vineyard holding in the Adelaide Hills to produce a Chardonnay that shows poise and precision. Sourced from vineyards in Lenswood and Balhannah and then fermented in a combination of one and two year old French oak as well as stainless steel. Lees sturring helps add complexity and texture while the cool-climate fruit adds minerality and freshness.

Innocent Bystander produces a stylish Chardonnay that shows stonefruit melon and vanillin oak on the nose. The palate has lovely creamy mouthfeel and flavours of butterscotch and citrus with minerally acidity on the finish.

One of the very best Chardonnays doing the rounds from McLaren Vale due to its lighter, slightly austere nature. Citrus melon and fruit-salad aromas give this Chapel Hill Chardonnay an attractive lifted bouquet and the palate is flavoursome fresh and lively. Great drinking!