Of all the premium white wines we sampled last year; it was the Soumah Hexham Chardonnay that rose to the top. This top class Yarra Valley Chardonnay features the perfect amount of oak and a moreish creaminess. Produced from small single vineyard plantings in the Warramate foothills of the Yarra Valley, Soumah Hexham Chardonnay is brilliant now but patience will be rewarded if cellared up to 5 years if you can keep your hands off it that long. One of the real movers and shakers of the industry in recent times, Soumah is without a doubt one to keep a very close eye on. This is a super complex and extremely alluring example. Produced from small single vineyard plantings in the Warramate foothills of the Yarra Valley, outstanding fruit quality works hand in hand with barrel derived complexities. This complexity around a mid to full bodied core lends its self just perfectly to seafood with the traditional butter sauce accompaniment.

This Katherines Paddock Chardonnay combines the richness, drive and classicism of one clone with the fine-boned flinty structure and chalky notes of the other. It is stylish with the modern expression of Australian style Chardonnay: tense, taut and sulphidic. It reclaims the middle ground where body, flavour and palate weight co-exist with structure, texture and restrained acidity. This single-vineyard Chardonnay has well integrated natural acidity with rich varietal expression.

Hand picked and barrel fermented, with extended time on lees results in a complex wine with citrus/tropical flavours. Creamy oak nose and palate, ripe peach, zesty acidity, limes and lemons. Elegant length finishing with a pink grapefruit note. Available at select regional stores, proudly supporting local wineries.

The grapes used to craft Warramate Chardonnay were whole bunch pressed, and fermented in French oak barrels and stainless steel. This led to the creation of a pale straw coloured wine with light green hues highlighting its edges. The attractive bouquet is dominated by intense aromas of orange blossom, lemon citrus peel and sea spray minerality. This enticing Chardonnay flaunts a crisp palate containing tangy grapefruit, white peach and citrus flavours, coupled with light saline notes. A firm acid line balances these vibrant characters to culminate in a focused and lengthy finish. Crafted to be relished upon release, this wonderful white wine can also be cellared for 5 years. It tastes great with vegetable terrines, steamed fish and risotto.

It may be the second label of Scotchman's Hill but don't be deceived the quality of this wine is first rate! Delicate, floral and perfumed aromas are backed up by ripe melon and stone fruit flavours.

Another outstanding wine from Sandro Mosele! Port Phillip Estate Chardonnay's aromas are complex with citrus subtle oak and hints of wild yeast. The flavours are generous and the rich mouthfeel is matched by crisp acidity.

Yering Station Reserve wines are produced only in years of outstanding quality. The chardonnay is prodominetly sourced from D block on wineries estate.

Peninsula Panorama Chardonnay is an unwooded take on the popular white, with plenty of stone fruit flavour for a lighter wine that doesn't skimp on complexity. A tingly mouthfeel makes this one a must for sunny days, with a refreshingly lengthy finish.

Yabby Lake Chardonnay is a fine, elegantly structured Chardonnay which is still developing. Subtle, toasty oak provides a background for the citrus and white peach flavours and the acidity lingers and extends the finish.