The Great Southern wine region lies along the Southern Ocean on Western Australia’s south coast. The pristine ocean and rugged coastline are only part of a spectacular natural environment that includes the ancient Stirling and Porongurup Ranges, magnificent forest, visiting whales and a multitude of wildflowers in season. Stretching 150 km (93 miles) north to south from Western Australia’s south coast and 100 km (62 miles) east to west, it is astually the largest wine-growing region in mainland Australia. From this stunning wine region, 5 Red Star Halliday-rated Byron & Harold, a' formidable partnership' (Halliday), have crafted a glorious “Charming and elegant" Chardonnay “... the bouquet shows apricot, Gala apple, lemon peel and cashew aromas, followed by a finely flowing palate that’s sleek and textured at the same time, finishing lingering and refreshing. Attractively styled with finesse and restraint. At its best: now to 2027. 93pts.” (Sam Kim, Wine Orbit).

From the Lange family estate and vineyard situated in the picturesque Frankland River, tucked away in the far northwestern corner of the Great Southern. “This is a potent Chardonnnay of power and presence. Toasty whiffs with cedar and clove spice, some rich, hazelnut elements, ripe citrus, red apple and rockmelon in tow. The palate similar to the bouquet, bold and spicy, laden with woody seasoning and generous to a tee. In all that, the balance works well” (Halliday).

The 2017 Chardonnay fruit was handpicked in pristine condition. Lifted bouquet of nectarines and stone fruits with an underlay of toasty spice. Barrel ferment characters add complexity while flavours of citrus and cashew swirl around the palate to give a long flavoursome finish.

Ferngrove Wines, in Frankland River, is one of the world's most isolated wine estate. While this isolation makes the logistics of wine-making tough, it is also what makes Ferngrove wines distinctly different. This Chardonnay is aromatic, complex lemon zest, pear skin and pink grapefruit in harmony with complex toasty French oak and toasted nuts. Piercing grapefruit, lime and pear with a creamy texture and vanilla French oak with lingering mineral acidity.

Sauvignon Blanc meets Semillon and Riesling in a rare blend, a portion of which is then matured in new French oak. "Scents of lemon curd and quince, nashi pear and almonds. The palate is much more keen and quick, a zesty shiver of lemon-lime with pink grapefruit and faint almond/nougat notes. A vibrant, tightly wound and thirst-quenching expression on hand. Very pleasing."

Barrel fermentation and maturation in French oak barriques with partial malolactic has imparted texture and complexity to the minerally grapefruit flavours of this Chardonnay from WA's south-west corner.

Vasse Felix Chardonnay is a pure, elegant and vibrant style of Chardonnay, embracing the region's powerful fruit with complexity and restraint to express the environment, with the hallmarks of Vasse Felix's premier vineyards.

Vasse Felix is on the cutting edge of modern style Chardonnay with their focus on lean, zippy and aromatic characters. A proven medal and trophy winning wine, the Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay has delicious stone fruit and purity of acid and minerality. Has wonderful line and length that will accompany light seafood dishes wonderfully.

Forester Estate Chardonnay is a refreshing fruit-driven wine. Pale lemon green in colour with intense roasted nuts, honey, ripe peach and a hint of smoky oak with lingering MLF on the nose. It is medium body with similar profile from the nose. Classic acidity structures with a toasty yet deliciously creamy finish.

Pears, stone fruit and citrus gives way to a creamy, nutty middle and fresh acidity to close.

This is a WA producer to keep your eyes one. This stunning Riesling is sourced from their Bates Rock vineyard. It has apple blossom and citrus aromas, while the palate shows a softly textured, crisp style with subtle mineral undertones.