RedHeads aren't shy of creating a stir, all in the name of top winemaking. And Harmonie Chardie really rocks! Since starting off in 2002, Redheads have blazed a trail to become one of Australia’s leading sustainable cellars – masters of small-batch, eco-friendly winemaking. They've won 8 trophies and over 200 Golds for their wines, including two for the debut release of Harmonie Rox. All the grapes come from grower Jack Bursten’s unique Coonawarra vineyard. It was originally planted by the late, great Wayne Stehbans – twice winner of Australia’s most prestigious wine Trophy, the Jimmy Watson. So he knew a thing or two about growing top grapes! And it really shows in the wine. Fermented in part new French oak, it's creamy, spiced and fruity.

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Courageous. That’s the motto of Kings’ Creed in South Australia’s beautiful Adelaide Hills district. Their aim is to “craft small batch wines of quality with bold character.” The wines are made by the legendary Ben Riggs, so that’s a creed that will be easy to live up to. Their gorgeous Chardonnay certainly shows lots of lavish fruit on a cool, crisp palate. Medium-weight in structure, you’ll find refreshing apple, stone fruit and citrus flavours. The fruit was whole bunch pressed and fermented in old French oak barrels. Left on lees for six months. Perfect for lunch with poached chicken and a Waldorf salad.

From cool slopes 530 metres above sea level in the Snowy Mountains, comes a classy Chardonnay that strikes a balance between fresh fruit and French oak. Generous nectarine and rockmelon aromas on the nose; characteristic Tumbarumba crispness on the palate, with fresh stone fruit flavours and a hint of honey on the way to a clean finish. Matured in 15% new French oak. Gold medals around the world (including at the International Wine & Spirits Awards and the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge) underline the appeal of genuinely cool-climate Australian Chardonnay.

Modern Australian Chardonnay is revolutionising the varietal, and this single vineyard Tumbarumba is a prime example. Experience lifted grapefruit, honeydew melon and lemon zest aromas on the nose. The wine is bright with flavours of green apple, lime and creamy cashew notes on the middle palate. The finish is long and refined with a lovely driving line of acidity.

A ripe, fleshy quaffing Chardonnay. Bright straw colour with yellow green tinged edges and a watery hue. Ripe peach and crème brulee like aromas fill the nostrils with hints of toasty oak and butterscotch also present. Fleshy and ripe, the palate features peach and tropical fruit flavours over vanillin spice and traces of crème brulee. Balanced acidity with a nicely shaped finish. Drink over the next year. Alc. 13%

As you can imagine, the folk who live on Strout Road have heard a lot of trout jokes. If you can’t beat them, join them, say the Strout Rd Vintners – which is why there’s a trout on the label. They may only be a small outfit, but they’re certainly making a big splash with their luscious, mouthfilling wines, like this beautifully balanced Chardonnay which takes its fruit from vineyards in McLaren Vale. It would be a wonderful accompaniment to a delicious salad of smoked trout, but will also match just about match any long lunch fare you can think of beautifully.

Refresh yourself in style with this fresh and vibrant McLaren Vale Chardonnay – it’s a real sunshine filled treat. Like the famous Albacore tuna, the team behind this wine have endless determination. Their niche is selecting the best grapes and bringing them together to create well-integrated, varietally expressive wines.