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.
Domaine Bernard Defaix Grand Cru Bougros
Domaine Bernard Defaix has been family-run for four generations, with a long-held focus on expressing the unique identity of each Chablis cru. Bougros is one of the seven Chablis Grands Crus, lying on the western edge of the slope near the river, where the soils are shallow and rich in Kimmeridgian limestone. The domaine farms organically and harvests by hand. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, with a proportion of older oak barrels used for ageing, lending texture without overt oak character. Each vintage of Bougros shows a firm mineral spine and a savoury, saline edge. The nose offers notes of preserved lemon, green apple, and oyster shell, while the palate brings tension and length, with citrus and chalky drive. Bernard’s sons, Sylvain and Didier, now lead the winemaking, continuing the estate’s work in vineyard-focused precision and restrained, site-led expression. This is a benchmark Grand Cru with a consistent record for age-worthiness and clarity.
Domaine Jean Noel Gagnard Clos De La Maltroye Premier Cru
This is an outstanding example of a white Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru. Formerly planted with Pinot Noir, this plot was grubbed up in January 1988, after producing good yields for 45 years, and replanted with Chardonnay in 1990. This change illustrates Chassagne-Montrachet's shift towards white wines dating from the 1980s in the light of the strong worldwide demand for Chardonnay-based wines. Not all the plots in Chassagne Montrachet are suited to this grape variety, however, and every change must be made in conformity with the appellation laws (to ensure quality) and in full respect of the terroir and its uniqueness. Thus, Chardonnay was only planted in this vineyard after careful consideration, producing its first vintage of white wine in 1992.
Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis Grand Cru Bougros
Domaine Lucien Le Moine Les Grechons 1er Cru Chardonnay
Jean-Louis Chavy Puligny Montrachet
Whilst Chavys have been living in Puligny Montrachet for over 200 years it was not until 1986 that Gerard Chavy started to estate bottle his own wine (previously the wines were sold to negotiants). This Chardonnay by Jean-Louis Chavy is based on 20-60 year old vines. Les Tremblot, (more Puligny in character, as the soil is argileous, says Jean-Louis); Les Meix, Les Levrons (more rounded wine for there are more stones and gravel here and it is not so heavy), Corvée des Vignes and Les Reuchaux.
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.
Domaine Michelot Meursault Les Narvaux
This parcel is located on the upper slopes above the Meursault 1er Cru Genevrières appellation. The clay/limestone soil has a subsoil of extremely hard white rock riddled with fissures. These allow the roots to circulate through the white limestone. The parcels southern exposure, coupled with a steady 20% slope, affords the grapes excellent ventilation leading to a harvest that is both ripe and healthy. The wine often presents aromas of candied orange (or other citrus fruits) on the nose and in the mouth.