This is a “delicately scented” Chardonnay of great subtlety and considerable charm, from two vineyard sites “concentrated with hints of peaches, grapefruits and an array of stonefruit, with a minerally backing in support.” (Ken Gargett Wine Pilot). Chris Coulter practices minimum intervention with his Coulter Wines enterprise, sourcing grapes mainly from the Adelaide Hills, and his Chardonnay is “fine and delicately scented, the bouquet displays notes of crunchy apple, grapefruit, oatmeal, and subtle almond, leading to an elegantly weighted palate that is linear and persistent. The wine is gorgeously structured by bright acidity, finishing refined and complex.” (Sam Kim Wine Orbit).

”… this is attractive if somewhat shy with its aromas and flavours – a hint of lemon, ginger cream and neat acidity.” (Toni Paterson, The Halliday Wine Companion. Born-and-bred Hunter Valley specialist, Aaron Mercer spent years at Tamburlaine, and had stints at Tyrrell’s and Brokenwood, before setting up on his own. He’s also worked in California, France and Germany so brings a great deal of experience to his winemaking, with a a great small-batch range from premium Hunter Valley sites, Orange and Tumbarumba – as here in this lovely 92pt Chardonnay. For Mercer, these wines are a passion project, only to be produced when great parcels of fruit come into the winery. They are built to be age-worthy and exemplary examples of a region.

Pop open this great value and delicious sparkler. It's from Tasmanian Vintners, a joint venture between Tassie businessman Rod Roberts and Fogarty Wine Group (Deep Woods, Evans & Tate, Dalwhinnie). They've attracted some extraordinary winemakers, including Marlborough-born Liam McElhinney, the former Jimmy Watson Trophy winner. The brief is to produce stylish, modern wines from premium Tasmanian fruit with an identity that remains somewhat mysterious. This sparkling cuvee boasts crisp apple, lemon and hints of strawberry and cashew. A lovely way to kick off a backyard feast. Yum!

The Wine: Pale straw in colour with aromas of citrus, stone fruits and subtle oak; flavours of nectarine and white peach are complimented with light toasted oak. Balanced, long and soft. The Grapes: Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. A versatile variety that can produce a broad range of styles from light and lean to full and rich. The style is shaped by ripeness of fruit at harvest and the winemaking techniques used.

From the Lange family estate and vineyard situated in the picturesque Frankland River, tucked away in the far northwestern corner of the Great Southern. “This is a potent Chardonnnay of power and presence. Toasty whiffs with cedar and clove spice, some rich, hazelnut elements, ripe citrus, red apple and rockmelon in tow. The palate similar to the bouquet, bold and spicy, laden with woody seasoning and generous to a tee. In all that, the balance works well” (Halliday).

Multi Trophy-winning Sam Trimboli must be one of the country's most in-demand winemakers. But after 30-odd years working for other wineries, he took the big step of setting up on his own in 2018 – and, being an old friend of ours, we backed him every step of the way. In return, Sam creates some excellent wines just for us, most have become bestsellers. We suspect this cracking Chardonnay will shortly join them.