Clear, brightly straw-coloured with flecks of green in the glass, there is a complex nose with scents of citrus fruits and chalky minerals. The palate is fresh and lively, bounding up with fine minerality and well balanced acid.

Since taking over the reigns at Cullen in 1989, Vanya Cullen has taken this esteemed winery to new heights including winning for herself the Gourmet Wine Traveller Winemaker of the Year honours along the way. The Mangan Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is the sibling to the Cullen Vineyard version and shares the same level of elegance and flavour precision. Add to that precision an added layer of complexity and texture on the palate and you have what many consider to be Western Australia's premier 'classic dry white'.

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.

Capel Vale is family-owned and one of the pioneers of the West Australian wine industry, first planting vines in 1974. And the duck? A symbol of the native mountain ducks that inhabit the nearby Capel River. In the glass: Pale with green freshness.On the nose: Rich and nutty aromas with stonefruit, citrus and struck match. On the palate: Full and generous with complex development under juicy peach and tangy grapefruit. Lovely line and length due to precise acidity, and well-judged oak.

DOMAINE NATURALISTE Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc, Margaret River

The wine is immediately appealing on the nose showing brightly fruited notes of lemon peel, white fleshy nectarine and grapefruit with a subtle touch of sweet basil leaves. It is juicy and vibrant on the palate with youthful fruit intensity together with crisp acidity, finishing long and mouth-watering.