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.

Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawke's Bay vineyards. The Estate's ownership varied frequently until John and Wendy Buck acquired it in 1978. John and Wendy instigated a twenty-year development program, which commenced with the restoration of the original winery building and the replanting of all of the original vineyards, as well as the acquisition of new vineyard sites. Elston is named for Elston Hall in Nottinghamshire, the ancestral home of Charles Darwin’s family. Darwin’s ‘theory of natural selection’ forms the basis of modern evolutionary theory, the foundation of biology. The wyvern symbol of Elston Hall appears on the label. The superb quality of the 2021 vintage was immediately apparent in the fully ripe grapes that were hand-harvested from their separate, individual plots within Te Mata Estate’s vineyards. Each parcel was gently whole-cluster pressed, cold settled and racked to new and seasoned French oak barrels for fermentation. The resulting wines remained in contact with their yeast lees, with a number going through malolactic fermentation. The finest lots were selected for further maturation, spending a total of 11 months in barrel. Brilliant white gold in the glass, Elston Chardonnay ’21 has wonderfully intense aromas of golden peach, apricot, and lemon zest. Focused but flowing - this is a wine of precision, power, and poise. On the mouth-watering palate there’s oodles of ripe, white-fleshed fruit, nougat and nutmeg, integrated fine oak tannin, and just a flick of salinity. A long line of sweet citrus acidity, and ripe Hawke’s Bay chardonnay fruit, runs through here. Resplendent in its charms, Elston Chardonnay ’21 would match with the best grilled lobster you can get. Or just sit and watch the wine unfold over several hours with a soft-ripened white cheese.

Penfolds Maxs Chardonnay is a tribute to former Chief Winemaker Max Schubert, a legend in Penfolds history. Pale straw in colour with green hues, this wine has a very nice textural and creamy palate with a soft line of acid fading ever so slowly to a distant palate horizon.

Scarborough Yellow Label Chardonnay is sourced from fruit grown on the winery's rich Terra Rossa soil. This helps produce a Chardonnay that is rich and mouth filling with creamy, buttery flavours. Having being left of lees for a minimum of 12 month and going through 100% Malo fermentation, this Hunter Valley Chardonnay is one for those who love an 'old-school' Chardonnay.

Since its created in 1953, Françoise Chauvene has been reflecting its attachment to and respect for the terroir and traditions in the marking of its wines. The Lajolie Chardonnay from Françoise Chauvenet has youthful buttery, fruity, aromas with an elegant concentrated flavour on the palate followed by a slight touch of oak.

A meticulous and confidential selection of magnificent terroirs. A common denominator of these soils: Campanian chalk, declined according to different exposures and depths. The Chardonnays of Côte des Blancs provide the main support for this cuvée and ensure its great elegance. On this solid basis, the northern terroirs of the Montagne de Reims and the hills of Nogent l’Abbesse contribute liveliness, structure and complexity. It is the harmonious association of these great terroirs which allows this cuvée to express an astounding freshness and a maturity worthy of an Apanage. Reserve wines to accentuate the aromas. As throughout the Pommery range, the collection of Pommery reserve wines supports the assemblage in a good proportion and enhances the sensation of great maturity of this cuvée. A long ageing in our historical cellars: As every Apanage, a prolonged ageing in the cellars provides this cuvée with the elegance and complexity which characterize it. This is an indispensable stage and one has to be patient to have all the subtleties of this assemblage revealed. The aperitif will be a privileged moment to appreciate this wine but caviar or a carpaccio of scallops with green lemon will reveal other facets of this cuvee. Remarkable elegance, the first nose reveals a spring freshness. Subtle floral notes of jasmine and acacia are harmoniously paired with delicate grades of linden. After this first impression of an incredible freshness, a large complexity reveals itself during which notes of citrus fruits and a creamy impression of frangipane express themselves alternately. The attack is open, without detour, as a sign of a very great assemblage. The elegance and freshness revealed on the nose can be found on the palate. The heart of the tasting is of an exemplary righteousness. The aromas of citrus fruits and white fruits (fresh apple) take over. The balance of the final is perfectly revealing the subtle flavor of yellow grapefruit.

The Villa Maria Chardonnay 2022 is fruit-driven in style, exhibiting ripe peach with underlying citrus and fig characters. On the palate, these flavours are enhanced by a creamy texture and a delicate suggestion of oak. A medium-bodied Chardonnay that is styled for enjoyment upon release with or without food.

Pierrick Laroche, the proud owner of Domaine des Hâtes, continues the legacy of his family's estate located in the picturesque village of Maligny, in the north-west sector of Chablis. Established by his father in the 1970s, Pierrick's family vineyard holdings have gradually expanded over time, resulting in the current size of around 33 hectares. After obtaining a degree in oenology from Beaune, Pierrick embarked on a journey to gain valuable experience by traveling the world and undertaking various internships. Armed with knowledge and a deep passion for winemaking, he returned home to take over the family vineyards and start producing his own wines. Pierrick's cellars, ingeniously built into the side of a hill in the village, allow for much of the winemaking process to be conducted by gravity ensuring gentle handling of the grapes. The vinification takes place traditionally in stainless steel tanks, while some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines undergo a small portion of aging in used barrels, allowing for a full malolactic fermentation. One of his oldest vineyard plots, Les Châtillons, planted in the early 1970s, sits just behind the hill of the Grand Crus and showcases the meticulous use of barrel aging, which adds complexity and depth to the cuvée. In 2016, Pierrick expanded his range by starting a small négoce operation, sourcing must from friends who predominantly farm on the left side of the river. This addition includes premier crus such as Beauroy, Beauregard and Vau de Vey, as well as the grand cru of Bougros. In 2019, Pierrick inherited 8 acres of vines from his father-in-law in the southern sector of Chablis, around the village of Courgis. This inheritance includes Petit Chablis, 5.5 acres of Chablis and just over half an acre of the premier cru Les Butteaux. Pierrick Laroche's dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine he produces. With a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, his wines showcase the unique terroir of Chablis, captivating enthusiasts with their finesse, complexity and distinct character. As Pierrick continues to nurture and expand his vineyards, he upholds the family legacy while leaving his own mark on the world of Chablis winemaking. The name of Pierrick's Domaine, "hâtes" refers to an old agricultural unit of measure, similar to the English rod. It evokes the long and slender fields used for sowing, where the longer rows made plowing easier with fewer turns. The term "hâtes" was often used to describe such fields. Crafted from the vineyards of Domaine des Hâtes, this is a wine that showcases the unique characteristics of the Petit Chablis classification. With nearly 12 hectares of Petit Chablis vineyards, Pierrick Laroche's dedication to quality winemaking is evident in every sip. Petit Chablis is classified as such due to the presence of younger Portlandian limestone, rather than the older Kimmeridgian limestone found in other Chablis classifications. This distinction often results in higher elevation sites, as the Portlandian limestone overlays the Kimmeridgian. Additionally, Petit Chablis vineyards tend to have less clay in the soil composition. Pierrick Laroche holds the belief that one of his largest parcels of Petit Chablis should be classified as Chablis. This particular vineyard produces wines that exhibit the characteristics typically associated with Chablis, and it is surrounded by AOC Chablis vines. The terroir of this parcel contributes to the wine's exceptional quality and distinct expression. The Pierrick Laroche Petit Chablis 2022 offers a captivating tasting experience. On the nose, expect vibrant aromas that reflect the youthful limestone terroir. The palate is greeted with a refreshing acidity that enlivens the senses. Delicate flavors of citrus fruits, crisp apple and a subtle mineral undertone dance on the palate, creating a harmonious and well-balanced profile. The finish is clean and lingering, leaving a sense of purity and elegance.

Product Information: Because of its south and east exposure, Vau de Vey only gets the morning sun. It thus qualifies as a cool Climat, even more so due to the north wind that rushes into the valley. And the wines reflect this through their restraint, crispness and purity. Here there is a particularly thick layer of Kimmeridgian marl in the subsoil, while the extremely steep hillsides make machine access almost impossible in some places! Pierrick’s Vau de Vey sees 15 months elevage in used barrels. Maker: Pierrick Laroche, the proud owner of Domaine des Hâtes, continues the legacy of his family's estate located in the picturesque village of Maligny, in the north-west sector of Chablis. The name of Pierrick's Domaine, "hâtes" refers to an old agricultural unit of measure, similar to the English rod. It evokes the long and slender fields used for sowing, where the longer rows made plowing easier with fewer turns. The term "hâtes" was often used to describe such fields. Established by his father in the 1970s, Pierrick's family vineyard holdings have gradually expanded over time, resulting in the current size of around 33 hectares. After obtaining a degree in oenology from Beaune, Pierrick embarked on a journey to gain valuable experience by traveling the world and undertaking various internships. Armed with knowledge and a deep passion for winemaking, he returned home to take over the family vineyards and start producing his own wines. Philosophy: Pierrick's cellars, ingeniously built into the side of a hill in the village, allow for much of the winemaking process to be conducted by gravity ensuring gentle handling of the grapes. The vinification takes place traditionally in stainless steel tanks, while some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines undergo a small portion of aging in used barrels, allowing for a full malolactic fermentation. One of his oldest vineyard plots, Les Châtillons, planted in the early 1970s, sits just behind the hill of the Grand Crus and showcases the meticulous use of barrel aging, which adds complexity and depth to the cuvée. In 2016, Pierrick expanded his range by starting a small négoce operation, sourcing must from friends who predominantly farm on the left side of the river. This addition includes premier crus such as Beauroy, Beauregard and Vau de Vey, as well as the grand cru of Bougros. In 2019, Pierrick inherited 8 acres of vines from his father-in-law in the southern sector of Chablis, around the village of Courgis. This inheritance includes Petit Chablis, 5.5 acres of Chablis and just over half an acre of the premier cru Les Butteaux. Pierrick Laroche's dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine he produces. With a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, his wines showcase the unique terroir of Chablis, captivating enthusiasts with their finesse, complexity and distinct character. As Pierrick continues to nurture and expand his vineyards, he upholds the family legacy while leaving his own mark on the world of Chablis winemaking. Nose - Floral, Cool, Juicy Yellow Fruits More floral, another level of aromatic attractiveness. Palate - Citrus, Sleek, Concentrated Cool, broad, almost juicy yellow fruit – I really enjoy the slightly more fluid style to the delivery of flavour here. Finish - Saline, Mouthwatering, Fine There’s a fine burst of finishing salinity too – just an ultra-delicious wine.