Macedonias wine history dates back before Alexander and was considered one of the best wine making regions by the Roman empire. Today, Macedonia is continuing its rich wine heritage with modern interpretations of both indigenous and international varieties. Full-bodied and barrel aged, this Chardonnay shows peach, kiwi, lemon and elegant minerality with a long clean, fresh finish.

Nectarine and white peach, textured mid palate, acid and oak to close.

This winery retains its cult status by continually producing wines of poise, class and adhering to strict biodynamic principals. The Bannockburn Chardonnay is at this stage pert and linear, with floral and citrus notes. It will take a little time for this little gem to begin to give up its secrets.

Elanto Vineyard, a 10.6-hectare high-density site on the Mornington Peninsula, is managed by acclaimed winemaker Sandro Mosele and his team. With 11,000 vines per hectare—four times the typical density—yields are limited to 300-500g per vine, enhancing concentration and power in the wines. Organic practices, deep soil cultivation, and volcanic basalt soils rich in iron stone encourage site-specific expression, while the vineyard's southeast aspect and cool sea breezes preserve natural acidity and freshness. The three Chardonnay vineyards—Verge, Buckshot, and Seawinds—span 4 hectares on the lower slopes, where silt over clay transitions to lighter, gravelly soils rich in buckshot. The cool southerly airflow and soil profile preserve natural acidity and enhance mineral notes. Each vineyard was harvested and vinified separately, with hand-sorted fruit whole-bunch pressed directly into a mix of new and older French oak barriques for natural fermentation. After 10 months in barrel, the wine spent an additional two months in large concrete vats before bottling. Brilliant pale straw colour with a subtle glimmer of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. Intense white peach, nectarine and dried honey scents are complimented by delicate biscuity oak, citrusy nougat and subtle flinty mineral elements. Long and showing a Burgundy like refinement across the palate, flavours of white peach, nectarine and citrus are brimming with freshness. Rich and concentrated yet light on its feet, notions of biscuity nougat, dried honey, faint crème brulee, subtle cashew and delicate infusions of flinty minerals lend further complexity. Possessing outstanding power and a cool tone, it concludes long and finessed with a gentle creamy textural feel. Drink over the next 5-6 years. Alc. 13.5%

Yarra Yering, well known for their pristine and elegant red wines, also make one of the Yarra Valley's premier Chardonnays. Made solely from the original 1969 plantings, the Yarra Yering Chardonnay is fermented traditionally in open top fermenters and crafted to age in bottle for extended periods. The wine goes through 100% malolactic fermentation which adds complexity and roundness without foregoing natural acidity and structure. Aged in 40% new French oak, this classic white wine combines intense opulence with finesse & textural flintiness.

Occasionally, when rare parcels of particularly outstanding Beechworth grapes become available, Savaterre's wine maker Keppell Smith likes to create something unique, like this Chardonnay, and bottle it under Savaterre's Frere Cadet (Younger Brother) label. These wines are created with the same attention to detail that goes into their premium Savaterre label.

Yabby Lake Chardonnay has a lifted and fine nose, which is complex and beguiling. The palate is fine and tightly wound together with a precise mineral intensity. Great length and poise, the wine finishes with great purity. Stored carefully this wine will age gracefully for at least eight years. 'The epitome of modern Australian Chardonnay, fruit, oak and natural acidity seamlessly woven together into a wine that will always have an element of restrained delicacy, but will flourish mightily with five years in bottle, and live much longer' - 96 points, James Halliday.

The bouquet is an enticing mix of white field flowers, grapefruit, pear essence and brioche. Enriched with layers of nougat and nut-meal, the palate's fine, creamy texture is supported by toasted vanillin oak. A bright citrus and chalky lactic acidity adds restraint and length to finish the wine. 'This latest release from the partnership of Jeff Burch and Burgundian winemaker Pasca Marchand is one of the best. Comes off a high point in the Porongurups, with the fruit being naturally fermented and then given 10 months on yeast lees to gather complexity. Intensely powerful, this is a statement of classic, cooler-climate chardonnay. Has become one of the fi nest releases each year. 97/100' - Weekend West, Perth, 28 Jun 2014, by Ray Jordan.