Archive: Australia: Chardonnay
Ad Lib 2008 Chardonnay Margaret River Tree Hugger ($17). Fresh and easy to like for its crisp, citrus-tinged layers of green pear and white peach, with a long, clean finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-08-24)
Annie’s Lane 2003 Chardonnay Clare Valley ($14). Aromatic and lush, offering focused, lively nectarine and melon flavors. Finishes long and creamy. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 12/04)
Banrock Station
2006 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia ($5). Yup $5. What makes this super-cheap Chard worth mentioning is that it relies on fruit — apple, pear, juicy orange citrus — and not much in the way of heavy cream or loads of fake oak flavoring. Nothing complex, certainly, but nice for the price, and easy to quaff by the pool. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/08)
2000 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia ($7). Totally enjoyable flavor package combining pear, citrus, herbs and light oak notes. Balanced. Versatile with food. Ready to drink now. We found it in a 1.5L size for about $10. Heck of a deal. Refreshing as an aperitif, or pair with anything from salty snacks to shellfish and salads. (Weekend Wine, 03/01)
Barossa Valley Estate E Minor 2006 Chardonnay Barossa Valley ($13). Ripe peach and melon fruit is laced with appealing bright citrus, creamy vanilla and toast that linger on the finish. (Weekend Wine 05/08)
Bellarine Estate
2005 Chardonnay Geelong Unwooded ($15). Nice value here, with fresh, juicy apple flavors mingling with lush tropical fruit, finishing with a touch of citrus zest. Refreshing and ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/06)
2004 Chardonnay James’ Paddock ($20). Opulent ripe fig and butterscotch flavors are balanced by fresh nectarine and crisp pear, with appealing acidity supporting it all. Creamy finish picks up hints of cinnamon, ginger and vanilla. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine 03/06)
Black Swan 2002 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia ($8). Didn’t get much from this wine, though to Black Swan’s credit, it was not a case of sweet vanilla and oak overload to mask a somewhat ordinary fruit profile. It was just the ordinary fruit profile. Unanimous ho-hum response. (Though it did occur to us that this Chardonnay might make a nice neutral base to doctor-up for a white Sangria – no backhanded compliment intended!) (Weekend Wine, 08/03)
Brookland Valley 2001 Chardonnay Margaret River Verse 1 ($16). Simple, light “bistro style” Chardonnay, offering clean pear and apple fruit laced with subtle spice and oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 06/03)
Brown Brothers
2001 Chardonnay Victoria Patricia Reserve ($28). Layers of pear, fig, roasted hazelnut, cream and subtly spicy oak are sophisticated and linger nicely on the complex finish. Paired particularly well with grilled prawns! Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 04/04)
2001 Chardonnay Victoria ($11). Good fruit character shines through, with crisp apple and juicy citrus flavors and undertones of creamy vanilla and toasted hazelnut that linger on the finish. Tasted a little high in alcohol, but otherwise solid. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 10/03)
Bulletin Place 2006 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia ($8). Zesty fresh lime supports crisp apple and melon fruit, staying clean through the finish. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Capel Vale 2007 Chardonnay Western Australia Unwooded ($16). We really liked this for its bright, refreshing character — with pure apple and melon flavors laced with bright citrus. Clean, crisp finish. Ready to drink now. Great value, too! (Weekend Wine 04/08)
Chateau Reynella 1999 Chardonnay McLaren Vale ($11). Racy and bright, emphasizing citrus and apple fruit with minimal oak. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 01/01)
Climbing 2005 Chardonnay Orange ($17). Soft and pretty, with peach and citrus flavors that linger delicately through the slightly spicy finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/06)
Coldstream Hills 2002 Chardonnay Yarra Valley Reserve ($45). Absolutely gorgeous, with a smoky oak- and gunflint-accented bouquet introducing loads of ripe, bold fruit flavors. Yellow peach, quince, and orange zest meld seamlessly along with cream, light vanilla and nutty oak. Very good now and over the next four or five years. (World Wide Wine 01/05)
Cullen 2002 Chardonnay Margaret River ($48). Rich and opulent, but with appealing, balancing citrus acidity. Flavors include pear and tropical melon, with a dash of grapefruit, along with smoky oak, cream and earthy vanilla bean. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/05)
Dancing Bull 2004 Chardonnay California ($12). Offers an appealing lemony snap to the ripe tropical melon flavors. Finishes clean and juicy. Easy to drink now! (Bargain Wine 08/06)
d’Arenberg
2004 Chardonnay McLaren Vale The Olive Grove ($16). Nice! Focused and clean, with zippy tropical and fig flavors laced with just a dash of citrus and nicely intergrated creamy oak. Stays focused on the lingering finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 07/05)
2003 Chardonnay McLaren Vale The Olive Grove ($15). Refreshing and juicy, featuring ripe pineapple and apple fruit layered with cream and a subtle earthy note. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 04/05)
1998 Chardonnay McLaren Vale The Olive Grove ($15). With definite citrus and green apple, this is my kind of Chardonnay. No oily, buttery silliness here. Just crisp and light and refreshing. (Weekend Wine, 09/00)
Deakin Estate 2005 Chardonnay Victoria ($9). A nice value from Australia, offering smooth, ripe tropical flavors laced with juicy citrus on the fresh finish. Ready to drink now.
De Bortoli
2004 Chardonnay Yarra Valley Gulf Station ($17). Bright, tropical fruit mingles with warm spices, juicy pear and toasty oak in this good value, appealing Chardonnay. Finishes with a touch of mineral. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 01/05)
2004 Chardonnay Victoria Windy Peak ($12). Clean fruit flavors with a zing of citrus acidity and underlying earthy oak – great bargain pricetag, too! Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 01/05)
Devil’s Lair 2003 Chardonnay Margaret River ($23). Absolutely delicious, with lively, focused tropical and citrus fruit flavors accented with rich notes, including roasted nut, cream and spice, that never overwhelm the refreshing fruit character. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 08/05)
Evans & Tate 2001 Chardonnay Margaret River ($15). Boldly flavored, with juicy tropical fruit, crisp apple, and light oak shadings. Deliciously supple and effortlessly enjoyable. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 02/03)
Evelyn County Estate 2002 Chardonnay Yarra Valley Black Paddock ($30). Distinctive bouquet includes lime zest, peach and a hint of bacon fat. Rich and creamy on the palate, with clean, focused pear and peach, wet earth and just a touch of spice. Nice acidity supports a lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (World Wide Wine 01/05)
Gemtree Vineyards 2002 Chardonnay McLaren Vale ($14). Part of the relatively small production (3000 total cases annually) from a family owned and operated winery, this Chardonnay offers full-bodied but clean-tasting fruit that includes ripe pear, citrus and intense melon with touches of spicy nutmeg, light vanilla, and oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 03/03)
Giant Steps
2003 Chardonnay Yarra Valley ($25). Smoky and floral notes accent an oh-so-good balance of focused, crisp pear and white peach and mineral flavors, with a pretty, juicy lime and orange zest character on the mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2 or 3 years. (Weekend Wine 09/05)
2003 Chardonnay Yarra Valley Sexton ($35). Pretty, understated bouquet introduces pure apricot, pear and orange blossom flavors. Long, focused finish with just a touch of sweet cream character and integrated toasty oak. This was a favorite of a Chardonnay tasting! Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (World Wide Wine 01/05)
Goundrey
2003 Chardonnay Western Australia Offspring ($15). Lively citrus mingles with ripe fig and pear fruit, with touches of cream and toast. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/05)
2002 Chardonnay Western Australia Offspring ($15). Absolutely delicious, with vibrant tropical and pear flavors supported with mouthwatering acidity. Finishes long and complex, with creamy vanilla and toasty oak and citrus. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine 03/05)
Grant Burge 2006 Chardonnay Barossa Barossa Vines ($15). An unoaked Chardonnay, so it’s not overly heavy, with moderate melon and apple fruit accented with touches of cream and pineapple. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 12/07)
Green Point 2002 Chardonnay Yarra Valley Reserve ($30). Complex bouquet offers plenty of oak shadings, but also ripe fruit. Fresh flavors include orange blossom, citrus, nectarine and spice. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (World Wide Wine 01/05)
Greg Norman Estates
2002 Chardonnay Victoria ($14). Appealing balance of cream, peach and soft melon notes on the one hand, and bright citrusy notes on the other. Fresh and delicious and ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 08/04)
2001 Chardonnay Yarra Valley ($14). Round and soft, with peaches and cream, and light citrus fruit. Delicate spicy oak emerges on the subtle finish. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks, 12/03)
Hugh Hamilton 2005 Chardonnay McLaren Vale Unwooded The Scallywag ($16). Really appealing mouthfeel — still some Chardonnay weight, but not mouthcoating or creamy. Concentrated fig, pear and tropical melon flavors linger nicely through a long finish, with a subtle burst of citrus at the very end. Quite versatile and food-friendly. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 04/06)
Innocent Bystander 2007 Chardonnay Victoria ($15). Bright and appealing, offering lemon curd accents to the clean apple and peach fruit, picking up cream and tropical citrus through the fresh finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-21)
Jacob’s Creek
2003 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia ($8). Ripe pear and apple aromas and flavors, picking up lots of lemon citrus and bready, toasty oak. Nice acidity. Good value. Ready to drink now. (Quick Entertaining, 02/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2002 Chardonnay Padthaway Limited Release ($33). Ripe pear, fig, waves of spices, vanilla bean, and a welcome citrus rush on the generous finish add up to a delicious, beautifully balanced wine. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 08/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2002 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Reserve ($13). Medium-bodied pear and ripe apple fruit flavors, with a slight mineral note emerging on the buttery, creamy finish. (Quick Entertaining, 02/04) Locate this wine online or in your area. Locate this wine online or in your area.
2002 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia ($9). Baked apple and toasty oak on the bouquet. Sweet, juicy apple and pineapple fruit flavors, with simple vanillin oak notes. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2001 Chardonnay Padthaway Limited Release ($33). Full bodied, but showing finesse and grace, with balanced crisp apple and lush melon fruit, accented with freshly grated nutmeg, vanillin oak, and picking up mineral on the complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two years. (Weekend wine, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2001 Chardonnay South Australia Reserve ($14). Blockbuster-styled wine, with ripe pear and apple, lime zest, and toasty spicy oak taking center stage. Lots of wine for the money. Ready to drink now and over the next two years. (Bargain Wine, 02/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Kirralaa 2002 Chardonnay Hunter Valley Adelaide Hills ($14). Citrus and crisp apple fruit are accented with orange peel and mineral notes for a refreshing, racy Chardonnay style that picks up creamy vanilla on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Leeuwin Estate
Kilikanoon 2007 Chardonnay South Australia The Lackey ($15). Refreshing, not overly oaked or creamy, but still offering full-bodied pear and citrus flavors and palate weight that will appeal to Chardonnay drinkers. Full, toasty, lightly spicy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-21)
2006 Chardonnay Margaret River Prelude Vineyards ($30). Aromatic stonefruit and fig flavors are accented with nutty vanilla, tangy citrus and cream notes that fold together on a long, fresh but complex finish. Delicious now and over the next five-plus years. (Richard’s Picks 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2003 Chardonnay Margaret River Art Series ($65). Freshly grated nutmeg aromas and flavors accent the concentrated pear and peach flavors, picking up toasty oak, creme brulee and a burst of palate cleansing citrus on the generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine 07/06)
1998 Chardonnay Margaret River Art Series ($N/A). Fascinating for its aged complexity and still offering an impressive amount of vibrant fruit — it was the hit of the evening. Ready to drink now. (Picks & Nibbles 08/07)
Lindemans
2008 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Bin 65 ($7). A nice surprise, offering refreshing pear, peach and tropical citrus flavors that pick up a touch of spice through the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-13)
2002 Chardonnay South Australia Reserve ($10). Light to medium-bodied, with crisp green apple mingling with creamy melon and vanilla flavors. Brief but clean finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/05)
1998 Chardonnay Bin 65 ($6). This is what a Chardonnay should be (or at least what I want it to be) — smooth and not too sweet with a tasty citrus-melon thing happening. And a great golden color. (ETFOFW, 12/99)
1998 Chardonnay Padthaway ($11). Another vintage of this perennial favorite, this one shines with balanced tropical and orchard fruit, with lighthanded touches of citrus and oak. Delicious now and over the next three or four years. (Weekend Wine, 01/01)
The Little Penguin 2003 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia ($7). Light and clean and easy to drink, with juicy apple and tropical flavors accented with just a touch of coconut and toasty oak on the clean finish. Perfect for a hot day. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/05)
McWilliam’s
2006 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Hanwood Estate ($12). Quite a nice surprise, starting with a crisp, mineral-laced apple character that picks up ripe peach and melon on the creamy finish. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 02/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2004 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Hanwood Estate ($11). Tropical up front, but then appealing juicy apple and acidity kicks in mid-palate to keep things balanced. Enjoyed more than previous vintages. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/06)
2002 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Hanwood Estate ($12). Smooth and balanced, with focused apple and pear fruit, subtle tropical accents and creamy vanilla rounding out through the finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 08/03)
Oakridge 2003 Chardonnay Yarra Valley ($25). Distinctive and quite smoky, with focused green apple, melon and orange zest flavors. Ends with more, integrated smoky oak and a hint of warm spice. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (World Wide Wine 01/05)
Penfolds
2007 Chardonnay South Australia Koonunga Hill ($12). A great bargain for its full-bodied, aromatic tropical fruit — pineapple, melon — and peachy character, with touches of cream and vanilla on the lightly citrusy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-06-14)2006 Chardonnay South Australia Koonunga Hill
2002 Chardonnay Australia Yattarna ($65). Fresh citrusy aromas and flavors accent ripe pear, fig and peach. Long, focused finish includes cream, orange zest and nutty oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/05)
2001 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Yattarna ($65). Created with the goal of one day becoming the white wine equivalent of Penfolds Grange, the 2001 Yattarna Chardonnay vintage offers layers of elegantly intense fruit – apple, pear, apricot, even pineapple – along with nutty oak, orange zest, cream and spice. Lush, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Splurge Wine 10/04)
($11). A really nice deal on a tasty wine, with appealing nectarine, citrus, vanilla and kick of spice that come together on a fresh, medium-bodied finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/07)
2002 Chardonnay Adelaide Hills Thomas Hyland ($14). Delicate but concentrated pear and melon fruit is accented with touches of hazelnut and creamy oak, picking up a slight citrus note on the finish. An elegantly-styled Chardonnay. Ready to drink now and over the next two years. We enjoyed it with a creamy shrimp and pea risotto spiked with lemon zest and black pepper. (Weekend Wine, 10/02)
2001 Chardonnay Koonunga Hill South Eastern Australia ($10). Simple tropical fruit and vanilla oak… and not much else. Would work best as an aperitif on hot summer day. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/03)
2001 Chardonnay Adelaide Hills Thomas Hyland ($14). Heck of a deal on a beautiful Chardonnay. Elegant and ripe, with pear and peach fruit picking up creamy vanilla oak and subtle citrus notes on the finish. Lovely, generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Robyn’s Picks, 12/02)
Penley Estate 2008 Chardonnay Coonawarra Aradia($20). New from Penley, this Chardonnay offers some nice structure behind the approachable, smooth melon and tropical citrus flavors, with a toasty finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-11)
Penny’s Hill 2001 Chardonnay McLaren Vale 2002 ($17). Slight pine aroma mingles with fresh citrus and stone fruit aromas and flavors — nicely balanced between creamy and fresh characteristics. Long finish is peachy and lively. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (World Wide Wine 04/05)
Plantagenet 2008 Unoaked Chardonnay Western Australia Omrah ($15). Crisp green pear and light, smooth melon character are accented with generous zip of aromatic citrus acidity, with a clean, bright finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-09-03)
Punt Road 2003 Chardonnay Yarra Valley ($23). Touches of spicy earth enhance the complex layers of an array of clean fruit flavors – from fig to pear to apple – finishing with toasted hazelnut and light mineral notes. Full-bodied without being heavy. Very nice. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (World Wide Wine 01/05)
Redbank 1997 Chardonnay Victoria Long Paddock ($9). This Chardonnay is a great summer choice – crisp, but still full of Chardonnay flavors like peaches and flowers and hazelnuts, but not as oaky-heavy as some. Great with food! (Robyn’s Picks, 6/99)
Reynolds 2001 Chardonnay New South Wales ($10). Beautifully fragrant, offering ripe pear, crisp apple, lime and spicy aromas and flavors. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 02/03)
Robert Oatley 2007 Chardonnay Mudgee ($18). Lemon curd, fig and juicy melon aromas and flavors pick up accents of cream, toast, honey and spice through the rich finish. A lot of wine for the money. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-11-11)
Rosemount Estate
2002 Chardonnay-Semillon South Eastern Australia ($9). Juicy and easy to enjoy, with crisp pear, apple and citrus fruit that is nicely balanced. Picks up subtle vanilla oak on the clean finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 02/03)
1999 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia ($10). This wine is a bargain and packs a big refreshing punch. Good spicy fruit, a touch of oak, and a surprisingly solid finish. Ready to drink now. After a long hot Texas weekend, I needed a light but yummy supper. We paired it with a classic Julia Child fish preparation — swordfish steaks baked with sliced onions, parsley, breadcrumbs and a splash of white wine. (Weekend Wine, 09/00)
1998 Chardonnay Hunter Valley Show Reserve ($18). A combination of French and American oak aging add dimension and layers to this New World style Chardonnay. Spicy pear, a touch of almond, a bright finish. Very nice, especially at this value-for-your-money price. Drink now or age through 2003. (Weekend Wine, 05/00)
1997 Chardonnay Orange ($23). Marvelous contrast to the Hunter Valley Show Reserve, this is a more French-style Chardonnay made from high-altitude fruit. It is a delicious mix of apricot, pear, honey, and lightly toasted oak that is simultaneously refreshing and ripe. Wonderful. Drink now. (Weekend Wine, 05/00)
1993 Chardonnay Hunter Valley Show Reserve ($19). The 1993 Rosemount Show Reserve is one of my favorite Chardonnays. It combines the buttery softness of a classic California with the fruit/herb style of a French Burgundy. I tasted fig, apricot, and pear, as well as a hint of butterscotch. Interestingly, this wine almost has two finishes. The long, smooth, creamy vanilla finish and then just a wonderful hint of acidic fruit. I love it. Its like two wines in one. This wine goes very well with a number of dishes, including Thanksgiving turkey and all the fixin’s. (Splurge Wine, 02/99)
Rothbury Estate 2002 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia ($7). Good structure for a value-priced wine, with zesty pear and ripe melon balanced with touches of spice and light vanilla oak, finishing with a touch of citrus. Read to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 12/03)
Sandalford 2002 Chardonnay Margaret River ($20). Excellent Chardonnay offers beautifully-structured tropical fruit, floral notes, creamy vanilla oak, and touches of clove. Wonderful acidity and balance. Delicious finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 03/03)
Shoofly 2007 Chardonnay Adelaide Hills Chook Raffle ($14). Crisp, fresh, easy to enjoy — with tropical melon and juicy nectarine laced with a zesty grapefruit note. Shows very little oak influence. Medium-bodied, with a moderate finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-11-14)
Simon Hackett 2004 Chardonnay Barossa Valley Brightview ($18). Exhibits a pretty freshness on nose and palate, including juicy pear and citrus flavors. Gets creamy and rich through the finish, picking up a touch of spice. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 04/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Sticks
2004 Chardonnay Yarra Valley ($15). Balanced and fresh, with pear, green apple, lemon zest and a touch of mineral – all lingering in the solid finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2003 Chardonnay Yarra Valley ($14). Pretty lime blossom and cream notes accent clean pear and juicy citrus fruit flavors, with integrated oak structure supporting a focused finish. Very nice. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (World Wide Wine 01/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2004 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Lost Block ($14). Quite citrusy and fresh, with tropical melon and cream flavors adding body and roundness that linger nicely through the finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 10/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
2003 Chardonnay Hunter Valley Reserve ($17). Nice! With mouthwatering citrus and nectarine fruit laced with toast and subtle baking spices. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Wedgetail 2002 Chardonnay Yarra Valley ($28). Smoky oak bouquet introduces mouthwatering acidity supporting juicy peach and pear fruit, cream, earth and nutty oak flavors. Very good now and over the next four or five years. (World Wide Wine 01/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
White Knot 2004 Chardonnay McLaren Vale ($16). Fresh and vibrant, with focused tropical melon and citrus flavors – and not a touch of wood in sight. Nice acidity from start to finish, picking up a flinty character at the end. Quite food-friendly. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight 04/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Wildberry Estate 2005 Chardonnay Margaret River ($17). Lively nectarine and smooth tropical melon flavors are smooth and rich and laced with citrus zest, cream and butter notes that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.
The Wishing Tree 2007 Chardonnay Western Australia Unoaked ($12). On the simple side, but bright and fresh and easy to like. With tropical melon, pineapple and juicy citrus flavors on a medium-bodied frame. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-20)
Wolf Blass
2004 Chardonnay South Australia Yellow Label ($12). Ripe, vibrant tropical fruit aromas and flavors are balanced with zesty citrus and restrained toasty oak. A nice overall package. Finishes clean. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 04/05)
2004 Chardonnay Adelaide Hills Gold Label ($21). Very pretty, with fresh, elegant fruit flavors that include nectarine, pear and subtle citrus and are laced with cream and stone accents. The whole package comes together nicely, evolving through a lingering finish. Lovely. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05)
2003 Chardonnay South Australia Presidents Selection ($14). Rated a “scads better than the last bunch of wines” in a recent tasting, offering juicy peach, focused citrus and orange zest, and honeyed fig flavors that wrap up nicely in the generous finish. Nice winemaking for the money. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 10/05)
2002 Chardonnay South Australia Presidents Select ($14). Starts with some ripe fruit flavors, but soon gives way to loads of super-toasty oak that almost has a burnt-toffee character. (Bargain Wine, 02/04)
Wyndham Estate
2004 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Bin 222 ($9). Crisp, juicy apple stays present from beginning to end, with soft peach and melon along the way. Juicy finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 08/06)
2003 Chardonnay Bin 222 South Eastern Australia ($9). Loads of tangerine and lime flavors with a juicy peach streak. Refreshing, finishing with a slight mineral note. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 06/04)
2002 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Bin 222 ($9). Medium-bodied, with apple, orange zest, and peach aromas and flavors. Straightforward and easy to drink. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/03)
2001 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Show Reserve ($19). Fruit forward, with sweet pear, peach and cantaloupe aromas and flavors, racy acidity, and good balance. Toasted hazelnut emerges on the generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/03)
Xanadu 2002 Chardonnay Margaret River ($15). Ripe nectarine and juicy citrus fruit flavors dominate, with generous toasty oak, spice, and creamy accents. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 01/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Yalumba
2009 Chardonnay South Australia The Y Series Unwooded ($10). Another easy quaffer, offering pear and melon fruit and a lightly creamy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-06-02)
2007 Chardonnay South Australia The Y Series Unwooded ($11). Crisp green pear and citrus aromas and flavors stay focused through the juicy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.
Yangarra Estate Vineyard 2006 Chardonnay McLaren Vale ($15). Deliciously clean tasting, with balanced tropical and citrus flavors that linger through the fresh finish. Could drink this everyday! Unoaked. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Yangarra Park 2000 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia ($10). This is a great buy on a well-made wine from the Kendall-Jackson wine group. Ripe, creamy, and effusively fruity, but deftly balanced with outstanding acidity. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/02) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Yarra Burn
2000 Chardonnay Yarra Valley ($16). Elegantly spicy bouquet introduces sweet, juicy pear laced with delicate vanilla bean, caramel, and citrus. Gets rounder and richer on the lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 06/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.
1999 Chardonnay Hoddles Creek Bastard Hill ($N/A). A “wow” wine with notable fruit intensity (particularly given the age of the fruit), with a smoky nose introducing sweet pear and apple flavors. Creamy mouthfeel. Evolves nicely, picking up racy lemon zest through the elegant, lingering finish. A beauty. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (World Wide Wine 01/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Yering Station 2002 Chardonnay Yarra Valley ($19). Like a “body builder in a petticoat,” offering ripe nectarine flavors layered with smoky oak, mineral and almond notes. Kicks in with a big, lingering finish that maintains a clean finesse. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (World Wide Wine 01/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.
Train Trak 2003 Chardonnay Yarra Valley
Tyrrell’s Wines
($23). Smoky bouquet introduces pure tropical flavors and creamy notes, ending with more smoky oak and a touch of juicy citrus. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 01/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.