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.

The grapes used to craft Credaro 1000 Crowns Chardonnay were handpicked and whole bunch pressed. The juice obtained was directly run off into barrels, and wild fermented with yeasts. This led to the creation of a pale straw coloured wine with a deep green rim. The perfumed nose exudes scintillating aromas of white peach, pear, nougat and citrus. This delightful Chardonnay is smooth and juicy on the palate, brimming with flavours of stone fruit, grapefruit and citrus blossom. The aromas and flavours are supported by a fine and delicate layer of mineral acidity, offering a creamy texture and a lingering finish. This medium to full bodied white wine has the potential to be cellared for 5 to 8 years from vintage, tasting wonderful with grilled fish, pumpkin pie and creamy camembert cheese.

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.

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.

Hand Picked Gin Gin clone, the balance of fruit, oak, acidity is so immaculate it is a pointless exercise to try to deconstruct their contributions. However the white peach and pink grapefruit flavours are as clear as a bell on the back palate and aftertaste, the finish fresh and clean. Masterful winemaking

Chardonnay is our favourite grape and this wine, from Oatley family vineyards at Mudgee, delivers a modern take on the Australian style: full-bodied yet crisp, with citrus and melon fruit flavours. Roast poultry or pork will partner it well.

Woodlands Chardonnay has an attractive nose of grapefruit enhanced by some oak characters. A wine of some finesse with the elements of fruit, oak and acid coming together to produce a wine of exceptional balance and length.