GAFFY AND NEAL Merricks North Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

Very fine persistent bead. Straw coloured and vibrant, fresh hue. Fruit aromas of pear flesh and grilled grapefruit intermingle with brioches and freshly baked sourdough. Light toasty elements and slight yoghurt notes add complexity and depth. The palate is creamy and textural with delicate web of acidity interwoven throughout. Cream, yeast, granny smooth apples and butter pastry flavours flow along before finishing with a preserved lemon-like tang.

Zesty grapefruit pith, quince blossom, lemon/lime citrus, intensely aromatic with flinty reduction, talcy minerality, and fine integrated oak. This is a taught and powerful wine with great poise that drives to the finish.

Jayden Ong working with some very fine Chardonnay from the upper Yarra Valley.

Mac has a long history in Yarra Valley, starting out at Mount Mary before honing his skills in Burgundy and then returning back to the Yarra to start his own project. The Mac Forbes villages range is a reflection of the incredible diversity of one of Australia’s premier wine regions, the Yarra Valley. Each one shows the terroir of the site, while being made with restraint and traditional winemaking techniques.

Pale straw-green with a super-fine bead. This is very composed and complex, the 6 years on lees producing an array of different notes, some related to fruit others to that extended lees ageing. Sourdough crust, buttery pastry, green apples, toast, candied peel, white pepper and lime leaf all vie for attention. The palate reflects these flavours but also reveals stone fruit notes and a green apple crunchiness. The finish dry and savoury, the lemon-citrus acidity teasing out the length. A complex, refined wine that has depth of flavour, weight, texture and above all freshness.

The 2020 Rob Dolan Sig Chardonnay from Yarra Valley is a true testament to the region's reputation for producing exceptional Chardonnays. This vintage, crafted by renowned winemaker Rob Dolan of Victoria, boasts a pale straw colour with golden hues, inviting you to indulge in its elegant appearance. On the nose, delicate aromas of white peach, lemon zest, and subtle notes of vanilla entice the senses. On the palate, this Chardonnay offers a balanced and refreshing acidity, complemented by flavours of ripe nectarine, creamy vanilla, and a hint of toasted oak. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of stone fruits and a touch of citrus. This wine is a true delight to the palate and a must-try for Chardonnay lovers. Enjoy it on its own or paired with grilled seafood or creamy pasta dishes.