Is this Australia's best Chardonnay? If not then it shares the rarified air reserved for only the finest examples. Rich yet restrained, with mineral notes, cashew and almond meal, amazing fruit complexity and wonderful length...why not try the benchmark?

Founded by Edmond De Ayala in 1860, the House Ayala possesses a remarkable history, rooted in the visionary spirit that resonates with its melodious name from distant lands. The name Ayala appears almost serendipitous, intricately tailored for the village of Aÿ, where the House has proudly stood since its inception. Edmond De Ayala, an inquisitive and bold personality, consistently pursued the path less travelled. Vibrant with the essence of excellence and a spirit of adventure, the House of Ayala continues to be inspired by the indomitable founder who paved its way. In contrast to the prevailing French tradition of dosage, which exceeded 150 g/L during that era, Edmond De Ayala took a bold and audacious move by unveiling "dry champagne" in 1865, with a mere 21 g/L dosage. As a true pioneer, he possessed a discerning vision to revolutionize the Champagne landscape by introducing a drier style, which has created a profound impact to the modern world. Through bespoke craftsmanship, House Ayala employs a tailored approach, working with a diverse selection of crus to achieve the utmost balance and skilfully express the exceptional terroir surrounding Chardonnay, the house's emblematic grape variety. Champagne Ayala relentlessly pursues the finest raw materials from the Champagne region and currently boasts a palette of 70 crus, with 50 of them dedicated to Chardonnay. These crus are sourced from the most esteemed terroirs of Champagne. This remarkable diversity, a distinctive feature of the house, contributes to the complexity and vibrant aromatic freshness found in their blends. The house maintains 20 hectares of their own vineyards, situated in esteemed locations such as the Montagne de Reims, encompassing Aÿ Grand Cru and Dizy, as well as the Côte des Blancs, including Chouilly and Oger, both classified as Grands Crus. Additionally, they have vineyards in Champvoisy and Passy-Grigny in the Vallée de la Marne. With an unwavering commitment to pure expression of the raw materials, Champagne Ayala is transitioning their vineyards to organic viticulture and has obtained HEV and VDC certifications. The House consistently fosters trusting relationships with winegrowers and supports them in their environmental endeavours. Elaborated in limited quantities, exceptionally during the most expressive years, Le Blanc de Blancs brings to the light all of the elegance and the purity from the Chardonnay of the Côte des Blancs. This terroir is home to the most beautiful Chardonnays with a great ageing potential, including three Grands Crus which form the fundamentals of the blend. Chouilly, the House’s own vineyard, complete and subtle, brings a silky texture, a freshness, and an aromatic diversity to the cuvée. Le Mesnil-sur-Oger brings the tension, the precision, and a beautiful ageing capacity, in perfect harmony with the chalky minerality of Cramant. A signature blend, enriched by a selection of remarkable Premiers Crus. Recognizable by its both pure and creamy style, Le Blanc de Blancs is a genuine ode to Chardonnay. The signature cuvée of Caroline Latrive. Ensuring a consistent style, she does not hide her love of Chardonnay, and gives it a central place in her blends. Brilliant and contemporary, this prestigious cuvée flourishes in a special bottle, promoting the development of the organoleptic profile during the 6 years of ageing on lees in the cellars. The ultimate epicurean aperitif, Le Blanc de Blancs 2016 also marvellously goes with a lemony sea bream ceviche, a prawn risotto, or a braised veal fondant with rosemary.

Product Description The Villa Maria Keltern Chardonnay 2022 is a sophisticated expression of New Zealand terroir, showcasing the exceptional qualities of the Keltern Vineyard in Hawkes Bay. A brilliant lime-tinted gold hue catches the eye, while the nose reveals an exotic bouquet of ripe stone fruit, fresh lemon, and warm brioche, balanced by hints of spicy French oak. The palate is full and silky, marked by vibrant natural acidity that carries through to an elegant, sustained finish. With cellaring, this Chardonnay promises to develop further, offering an evolving complexity with mineral undertones and subtle toast-like nuances. Maker Founded in 1961, Villa Maria has become one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wineries, recognised for its commitment to quality and sustainability. The Keltern Vineyard, established in 1999, holds a special place within Villa Maria’s portfolio, consistently producing award-winning Chardonnay. Over the years, Villa Maria has gained acclaim for its sustainable winemaking practices, ensuring each vintage showcases the unique character of its vineyard sites. Villa Maria's winemaking approach honours the region’s natural beauty, crafting wines that balance elegance with a sense of place. Vineyard The Keltern Vineyard sits east of Maraekakaho in Hawkes Bay, nestled along the cool edge of the Bridge Pa Triangle and bordered by the Ngaruroro River. Planted on an ancient riverbed, the vineyard’s unique soils—a combination of silt loams layered over red metals and gravel stones—provide ideal conditions for Chardonnay. The cool air currents from nearby mountain ranges and meticulous vineyard management, including pruning to one bunch per shoot, result in lower yields and higher concentration in the grapes. For the 2022 vintage, hand-harvested Clone 15 vines, now at peak maturity, were selected, allowing Keltern’s character to shine through. Tasting Notes Nose Ripe Stone Fruit, Lemon, Brioche Aromas of ripe stone fruit and fresh lemon are accented by warm brioche and a subtle touch of spicy French oak, adding an exotic and inviting complexity. Palate Silky Texture, Citrus, Spice The palate is generous and layered, with silky citrus notes and a hint of spice from French oak. The wine’s natural acidity provides balance, enhancing the depth and richness. Finish Mineral, Toasty, Elegant A lingering finish with mineral undertones and a gentle toastiness, showcasing Keltern’s distinctive terroir and ensuring a refined, refreshing aftertaste.

Pale gold with hints of green, PerrierJouët Blanc de Blancs awakens the senses with enticing aromas of hedgerow flowers elderberry, acacia and honeysuckle and tangy citrus. On the palate, its mineral freshness lingers into a surprisingly smooth, mellow finish, which adds to the charm of this delightfully lively, luminous champagne.

Vibrant in appearance and pale lemon in colour. An array of subtle and intricate notes of dried pear, honeysuckle, lemon /lime citrus oils, peach, minerals, nuts and caramel. Very silky in the mouth with a lemon curd tart zest and richness. The talc-like minerality, fine acidity and guiding oak add length, definition and structure to the palate. This wine is full of mouthwateringly beautiful flavours, great subtlety, finesse and complexity.

The Yarra Valley label is the entry into Mac Forbes' Chardonnay wines. The Yarra Valley Chardonnay is a blend of fruit from Healesville, Hoddles Creek and Woori Yallock vineyards.

Since the early 90's, Penfolds have been producing Chardonnay from the cool climate region of Tumbarumba. The Chardonnay is elegant with white florals, stone fruits and a great acidity structure. Maturation in French Oak gives the Bin 311 a subtle nutty savoury flavour through and through. A great all season wine for all sorts of occasions.

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.

Caledonia Australis Umbra Methode Ancestral 2015 vintage is a gold in colour with light bubbles. The nose has aromas of pineapple, pepper, quince, and rockmelon. The palate has good acidity and zine with stone fruit, ripe lemon, and pineapple flavours with a crisp, bright finish. This chardonnay is produced from organic certified fruit using the methode ancestral style (petillant naturel), where the primary ferment continues its magic in bottle. An ancestral fizz comes from late ripening patch of the vineyard.