Toolangi Pauls Lane Chardonnay
Spicy, faintly floral aromas of stone fruit, grapefruit, lime juice and coriander are backed by matchstick-like oak and a hint of mineral. It's round and creamy, smooth and voluptuous, with a gentle, mouthfilling core of flavour and nougat-like complexity finishing with a hint of butter, gentle lemony acids and a faint smokiness. Crushed and pressed with full solids straight to oak (20% new), both primary fermentation and malolactic were natural. Elevage: 8 months on lees in oak before being racked and filtered in preparation for bottling. Hand-picked on 12th March 2018 First established in 1995, Toolangi Vineyards is located in the Yarra Valley adjoining the Toolangi State Forest. This Chardonnay is grown on fine clay loam and produces grapes which represent the unique site. Low cropped and hand harvested from 23 year old vines of I1OV3 clone grapes on D Block rows 35 55. The 2018 harvest will be remembered fondly by winemakers in the Yarra Valley. It was a rare season that gave above average yields and excellent quality fruit. Dry sunny conditions with cool overnight temperatures provided good natural acidity and concentrated wines at lower alcohol levels.
Red Hill Estate Merricks Grove Chardonnay
The aromas of pineapple, white peach, nectarines and melon start the senses. On the palate you will also taste rockmelon, white peach and tropical fruits. This wine has a long length of flavour and a creamy mouth feel, finishing with elegant acidity.
Rising Chardonnay
Soumah Hexham Chardonnay
Of all the premium white wines we sampled last year; it was the Soumah Hexham Chardonnay that rose to the top. This top class Yarra Valley Chardonnay features the perfect amount of oak and a moreish creaminess. Produced from small single vineyard plantings in the Warramate foothills of the Yarra Valley, Soumah Hexham Chardonnay is brilliant now but patience will be rewarded if cellared up to 5 years if you can keep your hands off it that long. One of the real movers and shakers of the industry in recent times, Soumah is without a doubt one to keep a very close eye on. This is a super complex and extremely alluring example. Produced from small single vineyard plantings in the Warramate foothills of the Yarra Valley, outstanding fruit quality works hand in hand with barrel derived complexities. This complexity around a mid to full bodied core lends its self just perfectly to seafood with the traditional butter sauce accompaniment.
Medhurst Estate Vineyard Chardonnay
Chandon Vintage Blanc de Blancs
The Chardonnay grapes used to create Vintage Blanc de Blancs were picked, pressed and then fermented to retain intense fruit flavours. The resulting wine shows a bright straw colour with light green highlights and a beautiful bead. The fragrant bouquet is perfumed with lovely aromas of cream and peaches, with light suggestions of citrus and honeysuckle. The elegant palate is filled with peachy flavours and zesty lemon acidity, offering a silky mouthfeel and a clean finish. This lighter bodied Blanc de Blancs tastes excellent with sashimi, sushi, and foie gras terrine.
Mulline Sutherlands Creek Chardonnay
MULLINE Sutherlands Creek Chardonnay, Geelong 2021 Mulline (which rhymes with divine) was established by the two Bens, winemaker Ben Mullen and business manager Ben Hine, in 2018. Sutherlands Creek Chardonnay is a fragrant, fresh and lively wine with aromas of lemon and white peach followed by fine structure across the tongue with crisp, bright acidity.
Stonier KBS Chardonnay
Denton Estate Chardonnay
Serrat Autres Terres Nenagh Park Chardonnay
Crafted by viticulturist and winemaker Tom Carson alongside his wife Nadège, the Autres Terres Nenagh Park Chardonnay originates from off-site fruit selected to complement Serrat's home block. Sourced from the Nenagh Park vineyard in Yarra Glen, planted in 1989 to the rare Penfolds 58 clone, the vines sit on a cool, south-east facing slope that receives gentle morning sun while shielding the grapes from harsh afternoon heat. Winemaking is tailored for clarity and structure. Whole-bunch pressing and controlled French oak maturation keep the cool-climate fruit expression central, balancing natural acidity with subtle, savoury complexity. Expect pure aromas of citrus leaf, grapefruit, and white peach complemented by a distinct flinty edge. The palate is tightly coiled, focused, and long, driven by a fine line of mineral acidity and a clean, saline finish.