Bannockburn Chardonnay
Pale, straw colour with insinuations of green. Overt, ripe varietal fruit characters on the nose - pineapple, citrus and nectarine derived are from the warm vintage conditions. Mineral characters, orange blossom and almond meal along with some lees derived creaminess are all balanced within this multi-dimensional palate.
Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis
Pierrick Laroche, the proud owner of Domaine des Hâtes, continues the legacy of his family's estate located in the picturesque village of Maligny, in the north-west sector of Chablis. Established by his father in the 1970s, Pierrick's family vineyard holdings have gradually expanded over time, resulting in the current size of around 33 hectares. After obtaining a degree in oenology from Beaune, Pierrick embarked on a journey to gain valuable experience by traveling the world and undertaking various internships. Armed with knowledge and a deep passion for winemaking, he returned home to take over the family vineyards and start producing his own wines. Pierrick's cellars, ingeniously built into the side of a hill in the village, allow for much of the winemaking process to be conducted by gravity ensuring gentle handling of the grapes. The vinification takes place traditionally in stainless steel tanks, while some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines undergo a small portion of aging in used barrels, allowing for a full malolactic fermentation. One of his oldest vineyard plots, Les Châtillons, planted in the early 1970s, sits just behind the hill of the Grand Crus and showcases the meticulous use of barrel aging, which adds complexity and depth to the cuvée. In 2016, Pierrick expanded his range by starting a small négoce operation, sourcing must from friends who predominantly farm on the left side of the river. This addition includes premier crus such as Beauroy, Beauregard and Vau de Vey, as well as the grand cru of Bougros. In 2019, Pierrick inherited 8 acres of vines from his father-in-law in the southern sector of Chablis, around the village of Courgis. This inheritance includes Petit Chablis, 5.5 acres of Chablis and just over half an acre of the premier cru Les Butteaux. Pierrick Laroche's dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine he produces. With a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, his wines showcase the unique terroir of Chablis, captivating enthusiasts with their finesse, complexity and distinct character. As Pierrick continues to nurture and expand his vineyards, he upholds the family legacy while leaving his own mark on the world of Chablis winemaking. The name of Pierrick's Domaine, "hâtes" refers to an old agricultural unit of measure, similar to the English rod. It evokes the long and slender fields used for sowing, where the longer rows made plowing easier with fewer turns. The term "hâtes" was often used to describe such fields. The 2021 Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis is a promising and faithful expression of the unique terroir of Chablis. Crafted from vineyards averaging 25 years old in proximity to Chablis village, this wine benefits from Pierrick Laroche's meticulous vineyard and cellar work. On the nose, aromas of lemon zest, green apple and honeysuckle are found, reflecting the influence of the Kimmeridgian limestone soils. The palate is treated to vibrant acidity and flavors of citrus, stone fruits and a subtle mineral note, showing the hallmark terroir-driven character of Chablis. While youthful and delicious now, this Chablis also possesses the structure and acidity to evolve and gain more complexity over 5-10 years.
Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay
Hunting Hill is situated on the hillside just opposite the winery and produces beautifully floral and perfumed Chardonnay with a distinctly liner and long palate.
WillaKenzie Willamette Valley Chardonnay
WillaKenzie is named after the ancient marine soil on which the vines are planted. The 420-acre estate is nestled in the hills of Oregon's Willamette Valley, featuring a patchwork of diverse vineyards planted among groves of fir trees and untouched pastures. WillaKenzie have practiced sustainable farming and winemaking since breaking ground so that the terroir-inspired wines might express the nuance and purity of this rugged, breathtaking valley.
Rockcliffe Nautica Chardonnay
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.
Yarra Yering Chardonnay
Yarra Yering, well known for their pristine and elegant red wines, also make one of the Yarra Valley's premier Chardonnays. Made solely from the original 1969 plantings, the Yarra Yering Chardonnay is fermented traditionally in open top fermenters and crafted to age in bottle for extended periods. The wine goes through 100% malolactic fermentation which adds complexity and roundness without foregoing natural acidity and structure. Aged in 40% new French oak, this classic white wine combines intense opulence with finesse & textural flintiness.
Levantine Hill Katherine's Paddock Chardonnay
This Katherines Paddock Chardonnay combines the richness, drive and classicism of one clone with the fine-boned flinty structure and chalky notes of the other. It is stylish with the modern expression of Australian style Chardonnay: tense, taut and sulphidic. It reclaims the middle ground where body, flavour and palate weight co-exist with structure, texture and restrained acidity. This single-vineyard Chardonnay has well integrated natural acidity with rich varietal expression.
Le Domaine d'Henri Chab Fourchaume
Don’t miss this rare chance to secure a magnificent wine from a top producer that’s in seriously short supply. Made by an acclaimed winemaker at the top of their game, this is a slice of wine history you don’t want to miss. Add it to your collection while you can.
By Farr Chardonnay
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.
Shaw & Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay
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.