DOMAINE DE CHATEAU DE MEURSAULT 1er Cru Perrieres , Meursault

Franco DAnna is an absolue perfectionist from vineyard to bottle. This is a fantastic example of rich, powerful Chardonnay.In the glass: Pale lemon.On the nose: Ruby grapefruit, apple, peach and cashew. On the palate: Powerful and layered with a solid core of white and yellow fruit, nutty complexity, creamy texture, a subtle salty hint, racy acidity and lovely savoury oak support.

Entirely sourced from Tyrrell's famous HVD vineyard. These dry grown blocks were planted in 1984 and 2003 and together they produce a modern style that has both richness and finesse.

The vineyards of Hautes-Côtes de Beaune (High Slopes of Beaune) may be 80% Pinot Noir but it is Chardonnay that occupies many of the best sites, like this one, Sous Eguisons (Under the cliff of Eguisons), bordering Saint-Aubin, facing south-east and protected from the cold northerly winds (and frosts) that can be hazardous at this relatively high altitude (430-450m). One hectare of roughly 10,000 vines are trained low and were planted between 2002 and 2005 in limestone-rich soil. Caroline Lestimé has enhanced the reputation of this fine producer since taking over from her famous father, Jean Noel Gagnard, in 1989. Jean Noel Gagnard handed his eponymous Domaine to his daughter Caroline Lestimé in 1989. She had studied business in Paris, before returning to the village to take over the reins of the family estate, and had to handle male chauvinism at its most rampant. Nonetheless, she has followed her own convictions, and enhanced (rather than diminished) the reputation of this fine producer. In the vineyard, she uses no fertilisers or herbicides, but has not taken hold of the biodynamic bible. - James Halliday

DOMAINE DE CHATEAU DE MEURSAULT 1er Cru Charmes Dessus , Meursault

PARINGA ESTATE The Paringa Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula

As Australian Chardonnay continues its re-emergence, Vasse Felix Heytesbury is firmly leading the charge with its complex, modern style that has seen the winemaking team take home a cabinet full of trophies and gold medals in recent years. 100% wild yeast fermented and matured in French oak for only nine months, there is a power and persistence that is unmistakable. A flavour cavalcade of matchstick, citrus, white peach and grapefruit alongside a subtle toasty, nutty aspect from the sublime oak regime. The finish of this remarkable example will leave you in no doubt to this wines pedigree and ageability. Sheer classic.

At Mount Mary they aim to make a Chardonnay of great length that is able to reach a balance between complexity & finesse. Unashamedly Burgundian in concept, local Yarra Valley practices are employed to fully express the unique terroir, including the wine not going through Malolactic fermentation as Mount Mary's cool-climate leaves the fruit with ideal acidity when picked. Matured in 20% new French barriques with the remainder in older barrels and large casks and along with grape solids, this is a Chardonnay of impressive texture and complexity.