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A fine-boned Chardonnay that reflects vintage conditions and the character of a unique vineyard site purchased by Shaw + Smith in 2012. Inaugural vintage: 2014. Planted in 1999, the vineyard has east and west facing aspects and reaches 500 meters above sea level. The soil is brown loam over clay with some broken shale and stone on the ridges. The wine is100% hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, then fermented and matured on lees in 500-litre French oak puncheons (30% new) for 9 months.

Allegiance Wines was born from a pledge to produce the highest quality from vine to glass. Sourcing parcels of expressive wines that over-deliver in all facets, the Allegiance Wines commitment is to combine outstanding viticulture and winemaking every vintage.

This intensely complex wine is rich in stone fruit, citrus and melon. The creamy texture is perfectly integrated with the sweet oak and natural acidity which leaves a lasting impression on the palate.

In Margaret River, considered one of Australia’s premium chardonnay growing regions, Cape Mentelle creates wines of plush texture, depth and power, yet balanced with a fine frame of acidity. This Reserve Chardonnay reflects Chapman Brook and Crossroads, our two southern Margaret River vineyards. Both sites have wonderful expressive personalities that complement each other beautifully and represent a combination of both our past and present. From careful site selection many years ago through to refined and innovative viticulture and winemaking practices today. Bringing them together is a joy, creating one of the finest expressions of our unique terroir. Confidence and class shine through with notes of white flowers, white pepper, and sea salt, unfolding into delicate layers of pastry apple tart and bitter almond. The palate is dynamic and vibrant, offering complex layers of citrus blossom, candied lemon, macadamia, and yellow grapefruit, all balanced by mineral tones and fine phenolic grip.

Gary Farr is still one of Victoria's true Chardonnay maestro's and his Chardonnay By Farr is another example. Taken from the original By Farr vineyard, this is a clearly a wine of true clarity and finesse. Flavours of melon and hints of spice with wonderful oak integration mean this wine is simply delicious upon release, but handle some careful medium-term cellaring.

Is this Australia's best Chardonnay? If not then it shares the rarified air reserved for only the finest examples. Rich yet restrained, with mineral notes, cashew and almond meal, amazing fruit complexity and wonderful length...why not try the benchmark?

DOMAINE MOREAU-NAUDET Pargues Vieille Vignes, Chablis