The 2023 RO Finisterre Chardonnay MR from Margaret River is a true gem from the renowned Robert Oatley Vineyards. With its pale straw colour, this wine immediately catches the eye. Upon the first sniff, the nose is greeted with vibrant aromas of ripe peach and citrus, followed by subtle hints of toasted oak and vanilla. On the palate, the wine reveals a rich and creamy texture, showcasing flavours of tropical fruit, lemon curd, and a touch of butterscotch. The oak influence is beautifully integrated, adding depth and complexity to the wine. The finish is long and lingering, with a refreshing touch of acidity. This Chardonnay is a prime example of the quality and finesse that Margaret River is known for. Perfect for pairing with seafood or creamy pasta dishes, this 2023 vintage is sure to impress.

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.

CREDARO 1000 Crowns Chardonnay, Margaret River The Credaro family, originally from northern Italy, settled in Margaret River in 1922. Brothers Cesaro and Olympio worked in agriculture and the timber industry and helped build the regions first bridges, railways and major roads. The family also made wine every year for themselves and their neighbours. Commercial involvement in the wine industry had to wait until the 1980s, when the Credaros began supplying other established Margaret River wineries. In 2019 the family owned and/or managed 110ha of vineyard over five sites across the region and built a 1200-tonne winery near Yallingup in northern Margaret River, in 2003. 1000 crowns (nominally $500) was the Credaro familys original investment and the name is today applied to their flagship wines. The 1000 Crowns Chardonnay typically shows fragrant white peach and citrus aromas with pear and nougat nuances. The palate is rich with flavours of stonefruits, grapefruit and citrus blossom complemented by a creamy texture from lees influence. A fine acid line provides a mineral framework and fruit flavours generally linger through a long, flavoursome finish.

Frogmore Creek is a superb cool-climate Chardonnay from Tasmania that shows stonefruit and citrus varietal aromas which are enhanced by quality oak. The palate is beautifully structured with tight natural acidity. A very complex and subtle style.

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

Stonier is a master of regularly providing excellent cool-climate Mornington Chardonnay at a very reasonable price, the last coule of vintages proving to be exceptional! Fresh and delicate with sherbet and citrus flavours, short term cellaring will be repaid.

Complex aromas, delicate pear and citrus fruit flavours enhanced by French oak.

Delicate and gentle notes of cooler climate fruits fill the nose; wet stones, chalk, fine citrus zest and orange blossom. The palate is lissom and has a mineral water like weight as citrus fruits mingle with toasted nut-meal and caramel. A fine and soft acidity retains levity and gives length and crispness to finish this Chardonnay by Marchand and Burch.

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.