Pop open this great value and delicious sparkler. It's from Tasmanian Vintners, a joint venture between Tassie businessman Rod Roberts and Fogarty Wine Group (Deep Woods, Evans & Tate, Dalwhinnie). They've attracted some extraordinary winemakers, including Marlborough-born Liam McElhinney, the former Jimmy Watson Trophy winner. The brief is to produce stylish, modern wines from premium Tasmanian fruit with an identity that remains somewhat mysterious. This sparkling cuvee boasts crisp apple, lemon and hints of strawberry and cashew. A lovely way to kick off a backyard feast. Yum!

Born-and-bred Hunter Valley specialist, Aaron Mercer spent years at Tamburlaine, and had stints at Tyrrell’s and Brokenwood, before setting up on his own. He’s also worked in California, France and Germany so brings a great deal of experience to his winemaking, with a a great small-batch range from premium Hunter Valley sites, Tumbarumba and Orange. This classy, gently oaked Hunter Chardonnay boasts fresh peach, vanilla, and pannacotta flavours and a nutty edge.

"Our single vineyard range represents the pinnacle of what we do at Mountadam Vineyards. Each wine is made from fruit selected from a single Estate block". In the 1860s a South Australian landowner Sir Samuel Davenport was given a cutting of “chardonuet” by a French horticulturist. Somehow the cutting came to be grown in the South Australian Governor’s summer residence, a property known as Marble Hill in the Adelaide Hills. The vines eventually came to the attention of renowned wine industry pioneer David Wynn, who took a cutting and propagated further vines at a nursery in Adelaide. He planted them out on a beautiful elevated site on his Mountadam vineyard in 1972, making these the oldest cool climate chardonnay vines in Australia. The clone no longer exists anywhere else in the world.

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%

“... distinctly modern Chardonnay... " from Hunter Valley's hugely celebrated Tyrrell's "... stands tall among others in the price range, showcasing perfect integration. highlights the strength of the Chardonnay vintage. subtle lemon and white peach flavours... Oak adds depth and layers without being intrusive. Tremendous value. 95pts.” Toni Paterson, Halliday Wine Companion. With Gold - and also 92pts from Huon Hooke in The Real Review who calls it "A satisfying glass of Chardonnay, and real value at its station. 92pts.”