The Great Southern wine region lies along the Southern Ocean on Western Australia’s south coast. The pristine ocean and rugged coastline are only part of a spectacular natural environment that includes the ancient Stirling and Porongurup Ranges, magnificent forest, visiting whales and a multitude of wildflowers in season. Stretching 150 km (93 miles) north to south from Western Australia’s south coast and 100 km (62 miles) east to west, it is astually the largest wine-growing region in mainland Australia. From this stunning wine region, 5 Red Star Halliday-rated Byron & Harold, a' formidable partnership' (Halliday), have crafted a glorious “Charming and elegant" Chardonnay “... the bouquet shows apricot, Gala apple, lemon peel and cashew aromas, followed by a finely flowing palate that’s sleek and textured at the same time, finishing lingering and refreshing. Attractively styled with finesse and restraint. At its best: now to 2027. 93pts.” (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.

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).

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, Tumbarumba and Orange. This classy, gently oaked Hunter Chardonnay boasts fresh peach, vanilla, and pannacotta flavours and a nutty edge.

“Parishes", as Château Tanunda’s website describes it."... celebrates the heritage of our pre-eminent Australian wine regions, born from grape-growing communities as flavorsome as the wine they produce. Our carefully crafted drops embody exceptional regional character. “The Limestone Coast continues to push its reputation as one of the better regions in this country for one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay... appealing tropical notes with cashews and the merest hint of woodsmoke to add to the complexity. There is coiled power too, a seductive texture and good acidity with impressive length to finish.” Ken Gargett, Winepilot). "Delightfully styled and elegantly complex, the bouquet shows white flesh stone fruit, rockmelon, lemon zest and nougat aromas, followed by a beautifully rounded palate displaying creamy texture backed by bright acidity, finishing smooth and refreshing. At its best: now to 2027. 92pts (Sam Kim, Wine Orbit).

The Black Pig's 'The Prize' label is saved for extra special parcels of supreme quality fruit, and this beauty is from a very special property indeed in WA's Margaret River. The estate cannot be named but be assured that fruit quality there is paramount and this elegant, full-flavoured Chardonnay is a real bargain even at its full RRP.