Paringa Estate Estate Chardonnay Mornington Peninsula The fruit for the Estate Chardonnay is sourced from low yielding estate vineyards, some of which are over thirty years old. Constant attention to detail in the vineyard and vine maturity produces fruit of outstanding quality. The fruit is handpicked, whole-bunch pressed, and the unclarified juice is fermented in new (approx 30%) and one-year-old French oak puncheons and barriques. Less stirring in barrel builds weight and complexity. Typically, the wine does not go through malolactic fermentation. Shop Paringa

A vibrant, warm vintage is on full show here, with just enough oak coming through to ensure that—while it’s drinking superbly now—it’ll still thrive with another year or two in the cellar.

The Heemskerk Chardonnay displays an elegant cool-climate style with a brilliant pale golden color and enticing aromas of white peach, nectarine, lemon zest, toasted almonds and brioche. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with a creamy texture balanced by bright acidity. Flavors of ripe stone fruits, citrus and a hint of struck match are complemented by nuances of grilled nuts and a saline minerality characteristic of the Coal River Valley. The wine strikes a beautiful balance between rich fruit flavors, subtle oak influence, and a vibrant acid backbone, resulting in a complex and age-worthy expression of Tasmanian Chardonnay.

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne is the finest expression of the world famous wine from one of the greatest Champagne Houses. First produced in 1952, Comtes is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes from 6 Grand Cru sites in the Cité de Blancs. Showing a pristine pale yellow colour with very light, abundant bubbles which rise uniformly to form a fine mousse. The evocative bouquet opens with notes of pears and fresh cute white flowers. Left in the glass for a time, the nose develops a richness and density of pure character. Once on the palate, Comtes is lively, direct and precise with flavours of candied lemon zest and fresh pineapple. The balance is something to behold. This Champagne's marriage of finesse and aromatic intensity is a promise of further potential, but already offers very pleasurable drinking.