DOMAINE LUCIEN LE MOINE 1er Cru Grandes Ruchottes, Chassagne-Montrachet Lucien Le Moine is a unique négocianthaute couture is often how they are described. Husband and wife, Mounir and Rotem Saouma source small parcels of wine from many producers. Their contribution to the wine is in the elevage, esoteric regime which changes each vintage relying on Mounirs sensory talents forged in a Trappist monastery in Lebanon and honed in their vaulted cellars in the Cote dOr. Working with the best (Jupilles, FRA), fine-grained new oak, the Saoumas produce a staggering number of Grands and 1er Crus cuvees.

A vibrant, warm vintage is on full show here, with just enough oak coming through to ensure that—while it’s drinking superbly now—it’ll still thrive with another year or two in the cellar.

The Heemskerk Chardonnay displays an elegant cool-climate style with a brilliant pale golden color and enticing aromas of white peach, nectarine, lemon zest, toasted almonds and brioche. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with a creamy texture balanced by bright acidity. Flavors of ripe stone fruits, citrus and a hint of struck match are complemented by nuances of grilled nuts and a saline minerality characteristic of the Coal River Valley. The wine strikes a beautiful balance between rich fruit flavors, subtle oak influence, and a vibrant acid backbone, resulting in a complex and age-worthy expression of Tasmanian Chardonnay.

2022 brought with it the first vintage release of Dalrymple’s Single Site Coal River Valley Chardonnay. The well protected, south-east facing block is shaded during hotter parts of the day, which helps keep the crop cool, and allows for a long ripening period that builds higher natural acidity. The handpicked fruit is whole bunch pressed with the free run juice and pressings kept separate. Once settled, the juice is fermented, in French oak puncheons and ceramic eggs, then lees stirring is employed twice weekly for three months until malolactic fermentation is all but complete. Dalrymple’s Single Site Coal River Valley Chardonnay is characterised by grapefruit, citrus, white peach and quince, with hints of bushland aromatics, and a flinty finish with a saline and seashell edge.