Grapes sourced from the 6-acre Robinson vineyard where the 25-year-old vines are rooted in black sand over brown sandy loam. North-facing site, harvested early on the 18th February. Warmer & more stable microclimate here generates a fleshier, more satin textured wine. The early harvest & partial malo provide the requisite mouthwatering crunch.A powerful & intense Chardonnay. Bright citrus & stonefruit, fig, spiced oak, flint, almost cider-like characters. Striking acidity & a lengthy finish.

Good flesh here though; medium-bodied, good weight and sweep of acidity with a crispness to the finish 95, 96 clone Chardonnay from two vineyards, one in Red Hill and one in Tuerong. Barrel ferment, lees stirred. 20% MLF. 15% new French oak. 10 months in the barrel. Sam, Kaspar and Will pick the fruit on the up-curve (i.e. crux of flavour and freshness) bearing in mind the warmer side of the Mornington Peninsula is part of the equation here.

Le Stagiaire Chardonnay is drawn mostly from Garagistes Merricks vineyard, with the balance coming from Balnarring and Tuerong. Barney Flanders doesn't make these wines specifically for this labelall his ferments start out as potential single-vineyard wines, so the single-site wines are barrel selections, with the remaining wines bottled under Le Stagiaire. This provides some idea of how this label is able over-deliver, year in year out.

PARINGA ESTATE The Paringa Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

The bouquet for this Paringa Estate Pinot Gris has lifted varietal fragrance of fresh cut pear with hints of lychee and mandarin. The palate has fresh pear and citrus fruit flavours combined with lovely mid palate texture and balance, finishing with cleansing acidity.

Floral with pear, spice and citrus flavours light to medium weight soft acid to close.

From the ever impressive Yering Station, this Chardonnay offers toasty barrel ferment characters, good supporting oak and ripe peach aromas leading to a textured and well rounded palate. One of the better value examples out there.