Named after Kumeu River founder Mate Brajkovich, this vineyard produces Kumeu River's most sought after Chardonnay. Grown on clay soils, it is always long and concentrated with terrific depth that is enhanced with bottle age of up to ten years.

A symphony of enticing fragrances fills the air as you approach the 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Perrières. Citrus oil lends a zesty, invigorating note, while the delicate white flowers add a touch of elegance to the bouquet. There's a subtle hint of blanched almonds that brings a nutty dimension to the aromatic ensemble, evoking a sense of warmth and comfort. Crushed chalk, with its earthy mineral quality, provides a solid foundation for this sensory journey. As you take your first sip, you'll discover that this wine is not just an olfactory delight but a captivating experience for the palate. It possesses a medium to full-bodied character, which is both substantial and pleasing. The wine's racy and incisive nature reveals itself with each sip, keeping you engaged and eager for more. The chalky and tensile notes in the wine add a unique textural quality, making it feel like a journey through a rocky vineyard, where the terroir's essence is unmistakably present. Lively acids dance on your taste buds, lending a bright and refreshing quality to the wine. Finally, as you savor the last drop, a saline finish leaves a lasting impression, a reminder of the vineyard's proximity to the sea and the unique character it imparts to the wine.

Product Description: This elegant and complex Champagne is perfect for pairing with fine, simple cuisine that highlights quality ingredients. Enjoy it as an aperitif, or pair it with seafood dishes like scallop carpaccio, citrussy sea bass tartare, or fresh oysters. The vibrant acidity and minerality also make it a perfect match for creamy cheese or vegetable-based starters. Maker: Champagne Ayala, founded in 1860 by Edmond De Ayala, has a long-standing legacy of producing exceptional Champagne with an unwavering commitment to quality. The House of Ayala is renowned for its craftsmanship and innovation, particularly in its focus on creating Champagne that highlights the pure expression of Chardonnay. The company’s roots in the village of Aÿ have remained firm, with the iconic founder's bold decision in 1865 to release "dry champagne" with a minimal dosage, setting a new standard for Champagne production. Ayala continues to honour its founder’s vision by offering wines with elegance, finesse, and the signature purity of Chardonnay. Under the direction of a new generation, particularly since the acquisition by the Bollinger family in 2005, Champagne Ayala has invested heavily in modernising its facilities while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship. Their meticulous approach involves working with an extensive selection of crus to ensure that each bottle reflects the best of Champagne's diverse terroirs. Today, the House continues to flourish under the leadership of Hadrien Mouflard, who has spearheaded the transformation of Ayala’s identity with a renewed focus on purity and precision. Philosophy | AYALA: At Champagne Ayala, the philosophy is built on one key principle: "Honor the essence." This guiding belief sees the House dedicated to revealing the purest expression of Chardonnay, the cornerstone of its winemaking. This commitment drives every decision, from vineyard management to vinification, to the final blending process. The House works with a unique and diverse palette of crus, with 50 of the 70 crus exclusively dedicated to Chardonnay, sourced from the finest terroirs of the Champagne region. Ayala’s philosophy embraces organic principles, with a growing commitment to sustainable practices, including the conversion of its own vineyards to organic viticulture, and the pursuit of environmental certifications such as HEV and VDC. The production process at Ayala is a masterclass in precision. Each cru undergoes micro-vinification, allowing the individual characteristics of each vineyard to shine before being carefully blended into the final cuvée. The extended aging of their wines on lees, paired with the low dosage, ensures that Ayala’s champagnes embody an exceptional balance of freshness, complexity, and elegance. This purity and focus on terroir have earned Champagne Ayala a reputation for producing wines that are as distinctive as they are exquisite, with a clarity and freshness that stands out in every bottle. Through these practices, Ayala continues to honour the craftsmanship and legacy of its founder, Edmond De Ayala, while paving the way for a bright future. Tasting Notes: Nose Elegant, Fragrant, Citrusy Aromatic delight, opening with notes of pear, grapefruit, and delicate jasmine, creating a fresh and vibrant bouquet. Subtle hints of acacia honey and a touch of citrus zest enhance the fragrance, providing an inviting and layered profile that draws you in. Palate Fresh, Lively, Structured Vibrant character with lively flavours of blood orange and pastry. The texture is sleek and elegant, with a beautiful minerality. Bright acidity provides structure and balance, giving it an exciting and refreshing finish. Finish Long, Crisp, Mineral Long and crisp, leaving a lasting impression of bright citrus and chalky minerality. The purity of the Chardonnay shines through, with a delicate balance between freshness and complexity that continues to evolve with each sip.

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.

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?

Bouchard Pere and Fils is the largest vineyard owner of grands crus and premiers crus in Burgundy. This Premier Cru parcel is tended by a vine-grower who takes care of the vineyard up to the harvest.

Domaine de Montille is one of the greatest Domaines in Burgundy and can be traced back to the middle of the 17th Century at Creancy with the Lords of Commeau.. Minerality is the most abundant character right now but the delicate freshness, balance creaminess on the finish and a gorgeous extract build excellent structure. This is very distinguished Corton- Charlemagne.