Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay
As Australian Chardonnay continues its re-emergence, Vasse Felix Heytesbury is firmly leading the charge with its complex, modern style that has seen the winemaking team take home a cabinet full of trophies and gold medals in recent years. 100% wild yeast fermented and matured in French oak for only nine months, there is a power and persistence that is unmistakable. A flavour cavalcade of matchstick, citrus, white peach and grapefruit alongside a subtle toasty, nutty aspect from the sublime oak regime. The finish of this remarkable example will leave you in no doubt to this wines pedigree and ageability. Sheer classic.
Domaine de Chevalier Blanc Pessac-Léognan
Domaine de Chevalier uses traditional methods when making their flavoursome white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Fermentation occurs in oak casks and is then aged for 18th in oak, some of which is new. This practice was abandoned by many in Graves, only to be (rightfully) regenerated to allow wines of substance and character to be produced once again. Chevalier's Blanc is a wine that is taut and restrained that opens up over a six to eight year period to reveal a wine of supreme delicacy.
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.
Umamu Estate Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Umamu Estate only releases their wines when theyve had time to develop in the bottle and this Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is drinking beautifully now. In the glass: Beautifully vibrant bright lemon with a still-youthful green tint. On the nose: Lifted mix of toast and honey development. On the palate: Rich and beautifully developed with a lovely warm core of buttered toast, preserved lemon and lemon curd in a terrifically textured, layered and complex wine. So remarkably fresh and complex.
Domaine Christian Moreau Les Clos Grand Cru
Domaine de Montille Les Greves 1er cru
Domaine de la Pousse d'Or 1er cru Clos des 60 Ouvrees
Joh jos prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling-Kabinett
JOH. JOS. PRUM Graacher Himmelreich Riesling-Kabinett, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
Bouchard Pere & Fils Clos de la Mousse 1er Cru Monopole
With the oldest records dating back to 1220, it took until 1872 for Bouchard to finally acquire all of the parcels of this 3.36ha Beaune monopole. Depending on the vintage not all the fruit is totally destemmed and the wine is matured in French oak for 12 months with 30-40% new wood. Always well priced and approachable in its youth it will also reward 5-10 years cellaring.
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.

