Multi Trophy-winning Sam Trimboli must be one of the country's most in-demand winemakers. But after 30-odd years working for other wineries, he took the big step of setting up on his own in 2018 – and, being an old friend of ours, we backed him every step of the way. In return, Sam creates some excellent wines just for us, most have become bestsellers. We suspect this cracking Chardonnay will shortly join them.

The impressive West Cape Howe is owned by a partnership of four WA families, including those of Gavin Berry and Rob Quenby. Grapes are sourced from estate vineyards in Mount Barker and Frankland River. Styx Gully is 100% Mt Barker grown; all the fruit from our best two blocks of Chardonnay on our Langton vineyard. Block 3 had a tiny crop with rich fruit flavours, Block 25 has deeper soils, a better crop and ripened later; it provided the fruit with higher acidity and delicate, finer fruit flavours. Some of the parcels were handpicked and whole bunch pressed; the balance of the fruit picked at night with low overnight temperatures and processed promptly at the winery. Styx is all barrel fermented (approx 40% new) with no malolactic fermentation; the result being a complex, but still fruit driven, style of Chardonnay. “Its all about freshness and energy. Citrus and melon with a muted cashew character on the nose. The palate is finely balanced with penetrating finish promoted by a crisp chalky acidity. Has a little white flower and lime influence adding complexity. 92pts” (Ray Jordan)

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.

Fermented and aged in French oak casks for 10 months. Brilliant very pale straw colour with a distinctive greenish tinge around the outskirts and a watery hue. Aromas of ripe pear and nectarine are followed by hints of dried honey, biscuity oak, citrusy nougat and spice. Mid weighted and carrying a nicely fleshed feel, pear and nectarine fruits are featured over honeysuckle, biscuity nougat and spicy crème brulee characters. Gently creamed medium to long conclusion. Drink over the next 2-3 years. Alc. 12.5%

Jeff and Vicky Dewar established Willow Bridge Estate after acquiring a spectacular 180ha hillside property in the Ferguson Valley, a sub region of Geographe. Under winemaker Kim Horton, many of its wines offer exceptional value for money. James Halliday rated their beautiful winery among his ‘Best Wineries of 2014’ and ‘Dark Horse Wineries of 2013’ Their G1-10 Chardonnay is full flavoured, complex and textural, yet still lively and refreshing with refined tight grain french oak offering backbone support. Winemaking exudes minimalist technique to allow expression of site. Bright staw in colour. Lifted citrus, white peach, lemon blossom and almond with intriguing complex elements of fine French oak. A precise palate of harmonious oak teamed with intense stone fruit, citrus and flint like palate, with a long flowing texture leading to fine acidity and spiced oak nuances.

We have offered this exemplary wine for over two decades and the multitude of awards over the years – and the 5-Star reviews – speak volumes. It is our bestselling sparkler by a mile. Roche Lacour winemaker Viviane Gianesini works her magic beneath the cool hills of Limoux. Here, the monks of Saint Hilaire are said to have mastered sparkling wine methods in 1531, centuries ahead of Dom Pérignon. Bottles back then were fragile and didn’t travel, so their success remained a secret. The cuvée is rich in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – like Champagne – and nearly half the wine is oak fermented – just like Krug! It’s an expensive technique (so rarely practised) yet important for depth and complexity. Enjoy on its own or with deserving canapés.

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.