Under the winemaking direction of Michael Brajkovich, MW, the village label is the first tier in the Kumeu River portfolio. From vineyards around the Kumeu area, it is a wild yeast ferment Chardonnay with 100% whole bunch pressing and malo. One third is barrel fermented and the whole package seeks to highlight the white peach and flintiness that makes the area famous.

This wine, a Piebald, meaning black and white, is a co-fermentation of the blackest Syrah grapes, with a hatful of the purest white Viognier. Deep in colour, the wine is almost black, yet is also vibrant and bright. The nose is perfumed with apricots, spice and liquorice; a pretty, fragrant wine with a sweet juice and velvety palate. The finish is elegant with savoury spice and a fine tannin length and persistence.

Petaluma use their impressive vineyard holding in the Adelaide Hills to produce a Chardonnay that shows poise and precision. Sourced from vineyards in Lenswood and Balhannah and then fermented in a combination of one and two year old French oak as well as stainless steel. Lees sturring helps add complexity and texture while the cool-climate fruit adds minerality and freshness.

Chardonnay is at home in the Margaret River in Australia's west and this great value version from Cow Bombie shows lovely rich varietal flavours of peach and melon and textured mouth feel are enhanced by zesty citrus notes which linger on the finish.

Another multi regional wine from Peppertree, the Chardonnay is a blend of Hunter Valley 50%, Wrattonbully 35% and Orange 15%. The three regions make up a wine that shows lifted aromas of white peach and pineapple, a generously fruit driven palate packed with ripe fruits balanced well by subtle barrel ferment complexity, providing a long refined finish.

One of the very best Chardonnays doing the rounds from McLaren Vale due to its lighter, slightly austere nature. Citrus melon and fruit-salad aromas give this Chapel Hill Chardonnay an attractive lifted bouquet and the palate is flavoursome fresh and lively. Great drinking!

Chapel Hill's McLaren Vale Verdelho has an intriguing and feisty array of flavours and aromatics. Kaffir lime leaf, passion fruit and honeycomb all leading into an endearing textural finish.

Origination comes from the heart of Stonyfell and the place it all began. It represents an enduring legacy built on determination and unwavering dreams. This wine provides rich white peach flavours with tropical fruits and a nice acidity line.

This McLaren Vale Chardonnay displays rich tropical fruit with subtle oak integration adding complexity. A trademark d'arenberg style, the overall balance indicates the potential to age well.

Chapel Hill makes great value wines in the maritime climate of McLaren Vale. This Shiraz is a beauty. Dark berries and vanillin oak are evident in the bouquet with spice coming through on the palate.