Andrew grew up in the world of wine and went on to work for some top names in Australia before settling down to craft really characterful, great value wines like this one, under his own name. A small amount of fermentation in oak has lent The Full Fifteen Chardonnay lovely toasty nuances, a nutty complexity and a soft creamy character.

With 130 years of expertise under the family’s belt, Angove have plenty of experience to call upon. In recent years they have been awarded ‘Winery of the Year’ and many medals besides for individual wines. Fourth generation John Angove now heads up the cellar that Dr William Angove started in 1886 near Adelaide (by making award winning brandy – a product they’re still famous for) and, besides championing unusual grapes, John also pioneers modern styles of wine. His 2018 turns its back on the weighty, golden, heavily oaked Chardonnays of last century and embraces bright stone fruit, shot through by lemony brilliance. No wonder this grape is back in favour.

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.

Customers invariably ask: "What's Blanc de Blancs Champagne and what makes it so special?" The Champagne region grows three grapes, two red – Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – and one white ¬– Chardonnay. Blanc de Blancs is made only from Chardonnay and, as Hugh Johnson says, it therefore has "great grace and less weight than traditional Champagne". Laithwaite's is a tip-top example which for years has been expertly created for us by superb cellars in Avize, one of Champagne's finest villages. This particular cuvée is 100% Premier Cru vineyards and was matured for 30 months before release – double the required minimum – to ensure a really luxurious character. Showing complex white blossom, citrus and toasted brioche notes, it has great finesse, a very fine mousse, and the perfect amount of acidity to cut through a range of delicious canapés such as velvety chicken or duck liver parfait.

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.

Richard Angove was very lucky to have grown up in a winemaking family. Since 1886, five generations of his family have worked in winemaking and grape growing. In 2008 he worked harvest in the beautiful Tamar Valley in northern Tasmania. He just loved the landscape, vineyards and flavours of the wines. Many years later when the opportunity arose to work with a number of small growers to create a range of small batch wines, he could not resist the opportunity, and so Lost Farm Wines was born.

What is WineStar Market? This supply channel allows us to use our networking resources to bring you an increased range of wines, delivered direct from the producer. Please allow 7 days for dispatch

What is WineStar Market? This supply channel allows us to use our networking resources to bring you an increased range of wines, delivered direct from the producer. Please allow 7 days for dispatch