Clonakilla are famous for Viognier, but in two different guises. One as the compliment to the exceptional and etheral Shiraz Viognier that has catapulted Tim Kirk to winemaking fame around the world, the other as this wonderfully textured and veluptuous white wine. Full-bodied with potent honeysuckle, pear, ginger and apricot aromas.

An elegant and restrained cool-climate style Shaw & Smith M3 Chardonnay has been at the forefront of the modern Australian Chardonnay renaissance. Displaying notes of nectarine and citrus underpinned by crisp acidity, it evolves over time to reveal layers of toasty, mealy complexity.

There’s nothing mysterious or untoward in the winemaking for this beauty. It’s kept on skins for a short period, then pressed, juice fermented over a couple of weeks, and aged on lees in stainless steel for five months. As with all Giovanni Rosso’s wines, this is about site. Site, and the ancient grapes (mostly carricante) that are thought to have been grown on the slopes of Mt Etna for at least 1,000 years. So they’ve had time to acclimatise. It’s a gorgeous, zesty-herby white, soft and pillowy and all propped up by a precise and racy acidity. It’s super long, and just bordering on mouthwatering. Quite subtle flavours flitting around the edges, hiding in the shadows and peeking out when you’re not concentrating.

Sourced and grown in the Adelaide Hills, this is a fine example of how good Chardonnay from this region can be. This is a blend of 3 different cultivars of the Chardonnay grape. Bunch pressed and in part wild fermented. Partial malolactic fermentation imparts further complexity. A beautifully textured and complex wine.

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.

The Domaine aux Moines Vin de France Le Berceau des Fées 2023 from the Loire Valley in France is a truly enchanting wine. From the highly esteemed Domaine aux Moines, this vintage of 2023 showcases the exceptional quality of their winemaking. On the nose, delicate aromas of ripe red berries, cherries, and a hint of spice tantalize the senses. The vibrant ruby color of the wine is a feast for the eyes, while on the palate, the flavors of juicy strawberries, plums and a touch of earthiness dance harmoniously. The tannins are smooth and well-integrated, providing a velvety texture, and the finish is long and lingering, leaving a trail of subtle vanilla and oak. This wine is a true representation of the renowned terroir of the Loire Valley and is sure to delight any wine lover. Savor it now or let it continue to evolve for years to come.