Nestled in the foothills of the Meehan Ranges, halfway between Hobart and the Coal Valley, lies the picturesque Clarence House Estate vineyard. Planted in 1998, this vineyard boasts an ideal location and soil composition, making it a haven for grape cultivation. Stretching across 16 hectares of land, the vineyard initially began with just 6 hectares of vine plantings. The first vines included chardonnay, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, tempranillo, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. As time went on, the estate expanded, adding more pinot noir, chardonnay and even pinot blanc to its offerings. The decision to plant pinot blanc was made after consulting with former winemaker Andrew Hood, who recognized the similarities between the local conditions and those found in Oregon, where pinot blanc thrives. The vineyard's fruit was initially sold until the vines reached maturity. In 2006, the Clarence House label was established, allowing the estate to showcase its own wines. The vineyard now produces three labels: Clarence Plains, available exclusively in Tasmania, Clarence House Estate and Clarence House Reserve. The Reserve wines are a selection of the best barrels from each vintage, often undergoing extended oak maturation to enhance their complexity and depth. Leading the winemaking at Clarence House Estate are Justin Bubb and Anna Pooley of Pooley Wines in Cambridge. With their vast experience and gentle approach, they bring an old-world philosophy to the winemaking process, focusing on elegance and balance. The Clarence House vineyard benefits from its location on a moderately sloping, rolling hill with a favourable north-eastern aspect. This position allows the vines to bask in the early morning sun while avoiding the harsh impact of late afternoon heat. The vineyard is home to seven grape varieties: pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot blanc, tempranillo, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. Notably, all of these varieties are planted on their original roots, further adding to the unique character of the wines produced. With its stunning location, diverse grape varieties, and meticulous winemaking, Clarence House Estate offers a true expression of Tasmania's viticultural potential. The wines produced here are a testament to the dedication and passion of those involved, resulting in elegant and balanced wines that showcase the best of this remarkable vineyard. Clarence House Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023 is a wine that showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to quality winemaking. This reserve bottling is the result of a selection of the finest barrels, where whole bunches were pressed and underwent wild barrel fermentation. After six months of élevage, the wine has matured gracefully. On the nose, this Chardonnay offers a wonderfully complex bouquet. Citrus notes dance alongside peach stone fruit, creating a harmonious blend of aromas. The judicious use of oak is evident, adding depth and character to the wine without overpowering its delicate nuances. Robust and concentrated on the palate, this Chardonnay showcases its full-bodied nature. However, it remains fresh and vibrant, thanks to its impeccable structure. The wine strikes a perfect balance between richness and freshness, demonstrating the winemaker's skill in achieving harmony. Clarence House Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023 is a wine that possesses great aging potential. Its concentration and structure suggest that it will evolve gracefully over time, allowing its flavors and complexities to further develop. However, this wine is equally enjoyable in its youth, offering a fresh and unbridled expression that pairs wonderfully with appropriate cuisine. This reserve Chardonnay embodies the essence of Clarence House Estate's commitment to producing exceptional wines. Its complexity, balance and judicious use of oak make it a standout wine that is sure to impress. Whether enjoyed now or aged, this Chardonnay promises a remarkable tasting experience that showcases the unique character of the vineyard.

Apsley Gorge vineyard, located in the beautiful Apsley Valley near Bicheno, Tasmania, is renowned for its exceptional wines. Planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the 1990s, the vineyard has thrived under the guidance of Brian Franklin, a former Abalone diver and Lobster fisherman. The vineyard spans 7 hectares and emphasizes low yields and non-irrigation to maintain fruit stability and quality. Brian Franklin, mentored by Burgundy winemaker Phillipe Charlopin, took over winemaking responsibilities in the late 1990s. Apsley Gorge wines have gained recognition as a premier label, distributed across Australia and exported internationally. The winery sits in the breathtaking "The Gulch" in Bicheno, paying homage to Tasmania's fishing and agricultural heritage. With its unique location near Apsley Gorge national Park, the vineyard benefits from cooling breezes, resulting in a distinct micro-climate. Brian Franklin's extensive winemaking experience in France and Australia ensures Apsley Gorge wines achieve full phenolic ripeness, showcasing ripe fruit, finesse, and texture. These wines possess excellent natural acidity, striking a harmonious balance without heaviness. Apsley Gorge wines are produced naturally, with minimal new oak, yielding exceptional wines of class and structure. Tasmanian Chardonnay wine is renowned for its exceptional quality and distinctive character. The island's cool climate, pristine environment and unique terroir create the perfect conditions for cultivating this versatile grape variety. Tasmanian Chardonnay wines are known for their elegant structure, vibrant acidity and remarkable balance. They often exhibit flavors of citrus, stone fruits and subtle notes of French oak, showcasing the region's expertise in producing wines of finesse and complexity. With their crisp freshness and refined texture, Tasmanian Chardonnays embody the essence of cool-climate winemaking. These wines have garnered international acclaim, earning a reputation as some of the finest examples of Chardonnay, captivating wine enthusiasts with their elegance and expression of Tasmania's unique terroir. The Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2022 is a rare gem, produced from just 1 hectare of fully mature vines, resulting in a limited production of approximately 100 dozen bottles. Reflecting the cooler climate of Tasmania's east coast, it showcases finesse, vibrant acidity and the characteristic generosity and richness of Apsley Gorge wines. With immediate pleasure and the potential to age for 5-10 years, this vintage stands out as one of the finest expressions of Apsley Gorge Chardonnay. The nose reveals precise fruit characters and delicate French oak, while the palate offers a harmonious fusion of fruit, oak, yeast and minerality supported by refreshing acidity. Ripe peaches, apricots, lemon herbs and spices create a lively and flavourful experience, complemented by a rich and creamy texture. This Chardonnay exemplifies the artistry of old-style winemaking, with sumptuous notes of peach, toasty oak and honeycomb. The elegant complexity on the nose speaks to the exceptional quality of the meticulously grown, low-yielding, hand-picked fruit. French oak barrel fermentation adds depth and the palate seamlessly combines texture, fruit and minerality. With each sip, the wine reveals power, concentration and a luxurious complexity, culminating in a buttery finish that lingers. In conclusion, the Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2022 is an extraordinary wine that embodies the unique character of its vineyard. With finesse, richness and the potential for graceful aging, it promises both immediate enjoyment and the ability to evolve beautifully over time.

Margaret River is a world renowned Chardonnay producing region and Pierro can rightfully stake a claim as to why. Incredibly complex, it is a tangle of fine-boned acid, lees complexity, pristine fruit and the most detailed use of good quality oak. Extremely enjoyable now, but will benefit from short to medium term cellaring.

Giant Steps plays it's part in the rapid accension of Australian Chardonnay back to the position it once held here. That being of the king of white varieties. This is a very stylish numbe from Phil Sexton and his team. Stonefruit, melon and butterscotch characters are supported by vanillin oak and the palate is long and textured with a clean crisp finish.

Domaine Jean Dauvissat Père & Fils works 22 hectares of vineyard in Chablis across 7 communes with 53 separate parcels across Chablis and Chablis Premier Cru. Fabien took over from his father in 2009, following training in Beaune and Dijon concluding with a Masters on Bordeaux. The Domaine began with Fabien’s grandfather in La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, but it was Fabien who took up where his grandfather left off in terms of bottling and labelling rather than selling off in bulk. Fabien’s approach is one of respect for the terroir, working each vineyard and parcel individually to express the differences from one site to another; and one of respect for the environment by restricting interventions wherever possible. Vinification is in temperature controlled stainless steel with the total maturation for the premier crus around two years. A young new Chablis producer to watch. Domaine Jean Dauvissat Pere & Fils are known to produce Chablis that are rich, with the perfect balance between minerality and fruit. Using no oak, the wines are aged for a considerable time in modern stainless steel tanks before being bottled, so they have time to develop. Fourchaume is the best known of the Chablis premier crus, perhaps because it is an extension of the Grand Cru vineyards, and benefits from a similar Right Bank exposition. Round, mature fruit, crystalline purity, sweet, lemony acidity classic cool river rock minerality. A classic Chablis premier cru.

Pale, straw colour with insinuations of green. Overt, ripe varietal fruit characters on the nose - pineapple, citrus and nectarine derived are from the warm vintage conditions. Mineral characters, orange blossom and almond meal along with some lees derived creaminess are all balanced within this multi-dimensional palate.

The Piccadilly Valley welcomed the Croser family back into the Tapanappa Winery with a typical cool weather vintage of exemplary quality. Stone fruit, honeydew and lemon zest, with spicy cedar oak in support. Medium bodied, tangy lemony acidity, almond and spice, firm and flinty finish. Its a wine of structure and coiled up power. Good now, but ideally needs a couple of years in the winerack.

Founded by Edmond De Ayala in 1860, the House Ayala possesses a remarkable history, rooted in the visionary spirit that resonates with its melodious name from distant lands. The name Ayala appears almost serendipitous, intricately tailored for the village of Aÿ, where the House has proudly stood since its inception. Edmond De Ayala, an inquisitive and bold personality, consistently pursued the path less travelled. Vibrant with the essence of excellence and a spirit of adventure, the House of Ayala continues to be inspired by the indomitable founder who paved its way. In contrast to the prevailing French tradition of dosage, which exceeded 150 g/L during that era, Edmond De Ayala took a bold and audacious move by unveiling "dry champagne" in 1865, with a mere 21 g/L dosage. As a true pioneer, he possessed a discerning vision to revolutionize the Champagne landscape by introducing a drier style, which has created a profound impact to the modern world. Through bespoke craftsmanship, House Ayala employs a tailored approach, working with a diverse selection of crus to achieve the utmost balance and skilfully express the exceptional terroir surrounding Chardonnay, the house's emblematic grape variety. Champagne Ayala relentlessly pursues the finest raw materials from the Champagne region and currently boasts a palette of 70 crus, with 50 of them dedicated to Chardonnay. These crus are sourced from the most esteemed terroirs of Champagne. This remarkable diversity, a distinctive feature of the house, contributes to the complexity and vibrant aromatic freshness found in their blends. The house maintains 20 hectares of their own vineyards, situated in esteemed locations such as the Montagne de Reims, encompassing Aÿ Grand Cru and Dizy, as well as the Côte des Blancs, including Chouilly and Oger, both classified as Grands Crus. Additionally, they have vineyards in Champvoisy and Passy-Grigny in the Vallée de la Marne. With an unwavering commitment to pure expression of the raw materials, Champagne Ayala is transitioning their vineyards to organic viticulture and has obtained HEV and VDC certifications. The House consistently fosters trusting relationships with winegrowers and supports them in their environmental endeavours. Elaborated in limited quantities, exceptionally during the most expressive years, Le Blanc de Blancs brings to the light all of the elegance and the purity from the Chardonnay of the Côte des Blancs. This terroir is home to the most beautiful Chardonnays with a great ageing potential, including three Grands Crus which form the fundamentals of the blend. Chouilly, the House’s own vineyard, complete and subtle, brings a silky texture, a freshness, and an aromatic diversity to the cuvée. Le Mesnil-sur-Oger brings the tension, the precision, and a beautiful ageing capacity, in perfect harmony with the chalky minerality of Cramant. A signature blend, enriched by a selection of remarkable Premiers Crus. Recognizable by its both pure and creamy style, Le Blanc de Blancs is a genuine ode to Chardonnay. The signature cuvée of Caroline Latrive. Ensuring a consistent style, she does not hide her love of Chardonnay, and gives it a central place in her blends. Brilliant and contemporary, this prestigious cuvée flourishes in a special bottle, promoting the development of the organoleptic profile during the 6 years of ageing on lees in the cellars. The ultimate epicurean aperitif, Le Blanc de Blancs 2016 also marvellously goes with a lemony sea bream ceviche, a prawn risotto, or a braised veal fondant with rosemary.

Bremerton Bâtonnage Chardonnay features a pale straw colour with dark green hues. This enticing Chardonnay exudes intense aromas of stone fruit, lemon curd and spice from its scintillating nose, while the expressive palate integrates with soft oak notes and a fine acid balance, to provide a creamy mouthfeel and great length. These flavours and aromas culminate in a textural and persistent finish. This delicious wine can be enjoyed upon release, or be cellared for some years to develop an intense fruit profile and complexity. Drink this wine slightly chilled with white meat such as veal, pork and poultry. It also tastes excellent with oily fish such as salmon and tuna.