Alex Retief is making some really exciting wines from different regions in NSW. The Chardonnay, from Tumbarumba in the pristine Snowy Mountains of NSW, was fermented and matured on leeas for 18 months in new French barriques, but the palate is still tight and austere. A delicate and subtle wine, full of white peach, flint and mineral saltiness.

The Third Generation series is a modern style Chardonnay, Robert Stein Winery has crafted with the exceptional fruits from Mudgee to create this great expression of the vineyard and regional characteristics in a bottle. With the aromas of grapefruit, peach and citrus, fermentation was 80% in stainless steel tank with high lees contact. The remainder time in older oak undergoing partial Malolactic Fermentation with wild yeast, which adds diversity and complexity to the finish.

Louis Latour's Saint-Véran is a wonderful example of the fresh Maconnais style displaying a light yellow colour and a bouquet of musk and toasty brioche aromas. On the palate, this bargain French Chardonnay is rich and powerful yet still with a lively, fresh finish. Going through complete malolactic fermentation in stainless steel vats, this southern Burgundian white is the perfect balance for brightness and complexity.

With a philosophy to source top quality fruit from a single, meticulously managed vineyard, McWilliam's Single Vineyard delivers distinctly elegant & balanced wines. This McWilliam's Single Vineyard Tumbarumba Chardonnay was grown by Rob Parkes on his beautiful Glenburnie vineyard in the stunning Tumbarumba wine region. The cool aspect & rich volcanic soils produce a distinctly elegant, yet intense style of chardonnay.

The aspiration of Oakridge LVS -- or Local Vineyard Series -- wines is to be outstanding expressions of single vineyards within the Yarra Valley. Local Vineyard Series wines enable wine lovers to compare and contrast the power of terroir and geography in winemaking. In essence, different grape varieties thrive in different soils, and Yarra Valley terroirs and altitudes vary widely. Oakridges expertise and understanding of the region allows viticulturists and winemakers to match a particular variety with a particular site -- with marvellous results. Almost all LVS wines are cellarworthy. The Willowlake Vineyard is just outside Gladysdale in Victorias Upper Yarra Valley. Planted in 1979 at an elevation 300 metres, the cool-grown Chardonnay here ranks with the regions very best. Add the skills of leading Chardonnay exponent David Bicknell and these hand-picked grapes become wines that express their variety and origin with consummate precision and flair.

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.

This wine is distinguished by a golden dress with green reflections. The nose is blossomed and reveals fresh citrus aromas (lemon, grapefruits) as well as acacia flowers.

The Grand Reserve Chardonnay is made from 100% estate sourced fruit from Santa Barbara, one of California's coolest grape growing regions. Perfectly integrated tropical fruits compliment floral notes, a hint of spice and vanilla as well as nice minerality from the calciferous soils in the Santa Maria and Los Alamos Valleys.

With fruit sourced from premiere growing regions along the North Coast (of California) expect a ripe and flavourful Chardonnay with aromas of baked apples, vanilla and buttered toast. On the palate, the flavours are generous with notes of crème brûlée, ripe pear and baking spices and a lush, creamy finish. Pair with creamy pasta or a roast chicken.