Evans & Tate is arguable the most famous name in Western Australia wine, and now the Tate name has been re-born in the Franklin Tate Estates wines made by esteemed winemaker, Rory Clifton-Parks. Franklin Tate himself has sought out the finest vineyard sites in the Margaret River region to deliver superb, terroir driven, wines that showcase the tradition and longevity of the Tate name, but also a modern and innovative wine-making approach. The Chardonnay was one third fermented in fine French Oak barriques delivery a soft and creamy mouthfeel, yet still with varietal lift and fine acid balance.

After twenty years of applying his passion and expertise to the countless vintages for local producers, renowned winemaker Bruce Dukes has launched Domaine Naturaliste his own range of wines, named for the southwest region where he has honed his craft.

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.

McHenry Hohnen is the quintessential family owned business with Murry McHenry and David Hohnen being brothers-in-law and the winemaking now being handled by David's son-in-law Ryan Walsh. With decades of Western Australian winemaking and selling history behind David and Murray the wines being produced are of utmost purity and subtlety. The Burnside Chardonnay is a relative recent addition to the range and is a funky, wild little number with attractive stone fruit characters that are balanced by a beautiful natural acidity.

Flametree are nestled in the picturesque Margaret River wine region where they continue to be surrounded by a buzz and excitement centred on the quality wine they are producing. Attention to detail is paramount in the winery where careful site, clonal and oak selections are made to produce exceptional Chardonnay's like this one. Characters of dried pears, grapefruit, melon and fig are balanced with searing acidity and a length of flavour that speaks to its promising future.

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.