As Australian Chardonnay continues its re-emergence, Vasse Felix Heytesbury is firmly leading the charge with its complex, modern style that has seen the winemaking team take home a cabinet full of trophies and gold medals in recent years. 100% wild yeast fermented and matured in French oak for only nine months, there is a power and persistence that is unmistakable. A flavour cavalcade of matchstick, citrus, white peach and grapefruit alongside a subtle toasty, nutty aspect from the sublime oak regime. The finish of this remarkable example will leave you in no doubt to this wines pedigree and ageability. Sheer classic.

Lenton Brae is a pioneer of this style in Margaret River and one of the benchmarks. Tropical and citrus fruit marries seamlessly with subtle oak giving the wine wonderful length and depth of flavour.

The MadFish range by traditional Margaret River producer, Howard Park, is one of great value and regionality. This Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend is a Western Australian staple with gooseberry flavours along with real citrus zest lift and a cleansing back palate. But it is the complexity in this wine that is truly remarkable and something that isn't often seen in this blend.

Attractive aromas of citrus and tropical fruits with hints of nougat and talc. The medium weight textural palate displays vibrant flavours of citrus fruits, dried pears and some riper tropical notes. The restrained use of French oak and wild yeast fermentation adds subtle complexity and texture to the palate which finishes with a clean mineral edge.

A classically racy, punchy Margaret River SBS with exuberant fruit and freshness. The Semillon comes from 20 year old vines rooted in the North Block gravels and sees a small amount (13 per cent) of barrel fermentation. This component supplies some texture to complement the wine's crunchy lime, lemongrass, grapefruit and herbal notes.

Blend of two-thirds Sauvignon Blanc and one-third Semillon gets a touch of barrel aging, reflected in its silky texture more than any overt aromas or flavours. The palate is fruit-forward, offering hints of citrus, under ripe nectarine and green apple, finishing long and mouth-watering. Overall a youthful and vibrant blend.

Delicate stone fruit and soft acid balance beautifully leaving a lingering finish.

McHenry Hohnen is the quintessential family owned business with Murry McHenry and David Hohnen being brothers-in-law and the winemaking now being handled by David's son-in-law Ryan Walsh. With decades of Western Australian winemaking and selling history behind David and Murray the wines being produced are of utmost purity and subtlety. The Burnside Chardonnay is a relative recent addition to the range and is a funky, wild little number with attractive stone fruit characters that are balanced by a beautiful natural acidity.

Flametree are nestled in the picturesque Margaret River wine region where they continue to be surrounded by a buzz and excitement centred on the quality wine they are producing. Attention to detail is paramount in the winery where careful site, clonal and oak selections are made to produce exceptional Chardonnay's like this one. Characters of dried pears, grapefruit, melon and fig are balanced with searing acidity and a length of flavour that speaks to its promising future.