Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnnay
Launched in 1998 with the 1995 vintage, Yattarna is the result of one of the most comprehensive, focused and highly publicised wine development projects ever conducted in Australia. The aspiration and independence of mind across generations of Penfolds winemakers inspired the ambition to create a white wine that would set the standard for ultra-fine Australian chardonnay. Selectively sourcing only the very best chardonnay fruit from cool-climate regions, coupled with clever winemaking, the style continues to evolve. Yattarna reflects Penfolds patience and continued commitment to its original goal, its very name being drawn from local indigenous language, meaning little by little, gradually. Each vintage provides the opportunity to further raise the quality bar.
Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Malbec
Vasse Felix, Margaret River's founding wine estate, was established by Dr Thomas Brendan Cullity in 1967. Among his first plantings were Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec vines, from which he produced the estate's first red wine. The Tom Cullity descends from these original vines and represents the pinnacle of Vasse Felix. The inaugural release will be in May 2017, coinciding with Vasse Felix's 50th Anniversary.
Olivier Leflaive Puligny Montrachet
Olivier Leflaive was co-manager of Domaine Leflaive until 1994 before withdrawing to concentrate on his own venture which he started in 1985. Today the domaine produces wine from some 65 appellations with 85% of the production being white wine. One of Burgundys most respected producers the estate produces a number of domaine wines from its own vineyards alongside its range of negocé bottlings. This famous Chardonnay from the Olivier Leflaive's domain expresses noble and distinguished aromas with notes of citrus, beautiful minerality and toasted scents. The mouth is elegant and tonic with a very long persistence.
Louis Latour Chassagne-Montrachet
The home of truly elegant, yet powerful Chardonnay is without question, Chassagne-Montrachet. When you marry the unique terroir of this ancient site and the winemaking expertise of Louis Latour domaine, the result is the rich and engaging white wine. Complex flavours of peach and nectarine flow across the palate which finishes with a minerality the envy of most Chardonnay producers. Wonderfully attractive when young - buoyant and lively - yet will age for more than a decade to reveal toasty, textured buttered notes.
Domaine Lamy-Pillot Pot Bois
Domaine Lamy-Pillot Pot Bois, Chassagne-Montrachet Domaine Lamy-Pillot is a small family-run winery, established in 1973, which counts as relatively youthful for the region. The wines of Lamy-Pillot are consistent and drinkable in the very best sense. The Pot Bois Chassagne-Montrachet represents incredible value. A beautifully balanced white, the fruit comes from vines that are rooted in the tiny Premier Cru vineyard of Les Caillerets, with vine shoots in La Grande Montagne Premier Cru. This joyfully yellow Chardonnay is pleasantly lively with yellow fruit and flowery freshness. Balanced richness creeps in with those textbook Chassagne-Montrachet caramel tones, replete with a buttery nuttiness. Aged for 12 to 18 months in 25% new oak.
Chacra Chardonnay
Vasse Felix Tom Cullity
This wine is a great example of why Margaret River is such a powerhouse in the cabernet department: concentration, savoury tannins, spice, and plenty of fruit. Blend of Cabernet sauvignon/Malbec/Petit Verdot. Delicious from the first to the last sip, with its very long finish.
Arnot-Roberts Trout Gulch Vineyard Chardonnay
ARNOT-ROBERTS Trout Gulch Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains The Trout Gulch Vineyard is found in a forested coastal canyon about 4 miles from the ocean in Santa Cruz County. This beautiful and pioneering site was planted by Bernard Turgeon in 1980 to the old Wente clone of Chardonnay, which is considered by many to be the heritage selection of Chardonnay in California. The soils in this cool site are fine sandy loam and the vines are carefully tended by Richard Alfaro. Harvest at Trout Gulch often has a slow-growing season resulting in wines that are high in natural acidity, strong minerality, and have notable salinity on the palate.
Domaine Michelot Meursault-Genevrieres 1er cru
The parcels which makes up the Meursault 1er Cru Genevrières lie at the very heart of the villages great 1ers Crus hillside. Here the soil is clay/limestone with a subsoil that varies between fallen rock, volcanic rock and white limestone. The wine is a fine example of the Meursault style with great finesse, mineral notes, opulence and a beautiful finish that never becomes heavy.