Domaine Naturaliste Floris Chardonnay
Margaret River makes some of Australias best Chardonnay and while its home to big names, we think Domaine Naturaliste, a smaller operator, is just as great, so were thrilled to share this with you. In the glass: Bright yellow, green highlights. On the nose: Nectarine, pineapple and lime with deluxe barrel notes.On the palate: Velvety with wonderful harmony and oyster shell and sea spray brightness. Lime juice-like acidity drives the intense yet refined fruit core with complex nuances of nougat and struck match.
Evans & Tate Redbrook Estate Chardonnay
Light gold, with a fresh, green rim. Stonefruit, pear and citrus notes and seductive fresh toast, dried herbs and malty aromas from barrel fermentation. Palate Remarkable fruit sweetness, intensity and persistence, matched with lovely texture and savoury elements and balanced by fresh, natural acidity. A prolonged cool and wet growing season meant the vines were lush and healthy heading into ripening. This resulted in later harvest dates, accentuated by the cool and wet ripening months; conditions not experienced in Western Australia for more than 10 years. These conditions, coupled with the absence of heat events, produced highly aromatic whites with good natural acidity. The fruit was selectively handpicked at perfect ripeness, before being loaded into an airbag press and gently squeezed. The free-run juice was continuously tasted until an optimum point was reached. The juice underwent wild fermentation in new French oak puncheons, then remained in barrel for 7-10 months, with monthly lees stirring to provide texture and mouthfeel. Each batch was carefully assessed for inclusion in the final blend. This minimal handling has produced a unique, delicate Redbrook Chardonnay style that will develop great complexity over time.
Atticus Finch Chardonnay
Pale yellow youthful green tinges, which I equate with quality young chardonnay. Aromatics are instantly very serious. Intense fruit nectarines and white peaches melding with lemon citrus beautiful French oak hovering just above the wine at the moment intense more than a cursory nod to Burgundy. The tiniest whiff of sulphides perfect for a wine of this age. When sipped, the wine shows its incredible intensity, no doubt derived from the very low yield.
Byron & Harold Chardonnay
2020 A mild 2020 spring with reasonable rainfall provided excellent growing conditions. A wet November followed by a warm and dry December and January set the vines for up for a regular season.However wet and humid conditions in February created an unusual vintage with extreme weather. As a result, the 2021 vintage required extra work and attention to detail in the vineyard. The final wines show incredible flavour at lower Baume’s with bright natural acidity. Great fruit purity and varietal expression.
Swinney Frankland River Riesling
This dazzling riff on Frankland River Riesling is drawn from hand-selected fruit from two of Swinney’s oldest blocks. Vibrant kumquat and mandarin orange aromas with a touch of basil. Sleek, crisp and focused with tons of stony energy driving the long, precise finish.
Cullen Wines Metricup Chardonnay
The Cullen Metricup Chardonnay is a fresh and elegant expression from Margaret River, crafted with a minimalist, natural approach. The Chardonnay is from the Metricup area, and comes with authentic sustainable credentials from a certified organic vineyard in conversion to biodynamic.
Xanadu Chardonnay 750MLx6
This Margaret River classic has reached a beautifully rounded maturity, softening its initial power into pure elegance. The vibrant grapefruit and white stonefruit flavors have mellowed into a smooth, honeyed richness, perfectly complemented by a creamy cashew finish. It is silkier and more approachable than ever, a sophisticated, world-class white that feels luxurious and easy to drink right now.
Monty's Leap Great Southern Riesling
93pt Riesling from vineyards in WA's remote Great Southern. "It's finely scented on the nose, revealing lime cordial, green apple, lemon zest, and wet limestone nuances, followed by a finely flowing palate that's focused and persistent. Splendidly structured by racy acidity, finishing persistent and linear. 93pts" (Sam Kim, Wine Orbit). For Ray Jordan it is "… a slightly riper and more generous style of riesling, especially on the nose, where you pick up more opulent notes of stone fruit and a little honey-like nectar. Yet the palate tightens up as it should, revealing a minerally, spicy character, with citrus tangs building. It has a fine talcy acidity and the flavour and palate are long. It’s a nice wine, especially in the medium term. 91pts". Phil Shilcock and Michelle Gray purchased the former Montgomery’s Hill in October 2017 and launched the Monty’s Leap brand. The mature vineyard (planted in 1996) is planted on the banks of the Kalgan River, 16km northeast of Albany.
Mystery Margaret River Chardonnay Deal No. 6081
In Dreams Chardonnay
The Yarra Valley is one of the heavyweight regions for Australian Chardonnay, with finesse and length of flavour the hallmarks of the regional style. In the glass: Pale lemon green. On the nose: Apple, grapefruit, oatmeal and almond aromas. On the palate: Fine, elegant and poised yet with power and drive and a delicious core of white and yellow fruits. A savoury, almost salty layer adds complexity, velvety texture and racy acidity.