$5999each $719DOZEN EACH DOZEN

The Giant Steps team pointedly sourced several conspicuous clones of Chardonnay from California, Burgundy and Champagne, to be established on the coolest, lowest slopes of the superlative Sexton property. Vine vigor and yields are naturally low, encouraging a low intervention approach to hand managed viticulture. The crisp, cool ripening conditions and flinty, almost mean soils of Yarra Valley's temperate slopes yield a vibrant style of Chardonnay in the nectarine, citrus, melon and white peach range of flavours.

$6499each $779DOZEN EACH DOZEN Chardonnay clones Mendoza and 227, 96 and 78 and 85 are all hand picked, sorted and chilled, parcels of whole bunches and destemmed fruit are treated to three days of cold soak at 10C. Batches are sulphured before a wild indigenous yeast vinification in oak vats and small, square open fermenters for a fortnight. A course of minimal drain returns and light plunges are employed for optimal extraction. Upon completion, ferments are gravity transferred through an airbag press, racked off gross lees to a selection of French Burgundy coopered 500L oak puncheons and 225L oak barriques for a term of age, followed by assemblage into the finished wine and bottling without filtration.

Pale golden hue. Fresh cream bouquet, white peaches and nectarine, river stones and spearmint, curry leaf and muesli. Lush with beautiful chalkiness, great approach, crisp and punchy acidity. Granny Smith skins, green mango and arrowroot biscuit. A very good balance of fruit within a rich, complex wine of great linearity and driving length, drinking brilliantly on release.

$14099each $1689DOZEN EACH DOZEN

$5699each $683DOZEN EACH DOZEN

From the highest plantings in all Yarra Valley, Wombat Creek was established in the 1990s, with a view to assembling choice blocks Chardonnay and Pinot Noir into a premier Victorian sparkler. The quality of fruit however, now merits bottling as a superior growth in the Burgundian style. A rich, gorgeously proportioned Chardonnay, fully fleshed and exquisitely balanced, opulent with the boldness of grapefruit and butternut, complexed by the oyster shell and flint characters of a magnificently loqacious terroir, made to match alongside a sizzling sauté of frogs leg, chanterelles and snail.

$6099each $731DOZEN EACH DOZEN

Assembled from a tally of the most illustrious Yarra Valley sites, Sexton Vineyard, Tarraford and Gruyere Farm, Applejack and Wombat Creek. Gingerly hand picked for whole bunch pressing and wild yeast ferments in 500 litres French oak puncheons, achieving a fully animate Chardonnay style, redolent of citrus and melon, creamy yet crystalline, offering a palate and breadth of exceptional balance and poise. Giant Steps are meticulous in all things Chardonnay, retaining the vitality of fruit from within the vineyard and encouraging the eloquence of each site as it speaks from the glass.

$3699each $443DOZEN EACH DOZEN

$4399each $527DOZEN EACH DOZEN

Goldwater were established 1978, they had the vision to sow one of New Zealand's very first vineyards on Waiheke Island in Hauraki Gulf. They now make their home amongst the coddled blocks of vine in Marlborough's Wairau Valley. To create a Chardonnay of superior palate weight, a number of Burgundian techniques are employed, a rich course of barrel ferments and eight months lees battonage in French oak. Its vibrant peach bouquet precedes a textural palate of toasty creamyness, the temperate tropicality of apricots and lime, impeccably balanced, silky and refined.

$2099each $249DOZEN EACH DOZEN Chardonnay is sourced from vineyards planted to auspicious silty gravel clays, exceptional terroirs which encourage the development of rich and exciting esters in the grapes. The finest blocks, husbanded by dedicated growers, are gently harvested throughout the cool hours of early morning, to capture and preserve all the crisp, pristine fruit characters of Chardonnay ripening on the vine. Bunches are treated to a gentle crushing and long, languid course of ferments, followed by a term of maturation in French oak barriques to round the palate while infusing creamy, aromatic complexity.

$12399each $1487DOZEN EACH DOZEN

$11999each $1439DOZEN EACH DOZEN

The history of the Burge family and their long association with winemaking in Barossa Valley can be traced back to March 1855, when bespoke tailor John Burge immigrated with his wife and two sons. A fifth generation of the Burge dynasty now brings together the exquisite elegance of Eden Valley with the soft velvetine textures of Barossa, into a remarkable Chardonnay wine. Fashioned to be enjoyed youthful and vibrant alongside seared tuna, salade nicoise or your favourite chicken recipe.

$2199each $263DOZEN EACH DOZEN Grapes are crushed, chilled and pressed, juices are settled for two days before inoculation through the action of eight choice strains of yeast, the majority of components are treated to three weeks of cooler temperatures vinification in controlled fermenters, a third of the wine is sent to seasoned French oak for a course of rich barrel ferments, malolactic and maturation. Upon completion, batches are held for a few months on yeast lees to build texture and infuse richness, followed by a gentle racking and the final assemblage, aimed at retaining maximum flavour, preserving freshness and highlighting the richness of sur lie.

Lemon green hue. An elegant nose dominated by white peach, apricot and hints of honeydew melon. The palate is packed with citrus fruit character, nectarines and cream are balanced by a crisp, lemon rind acidity. A rich and complex contemporary style of Chardonnay that's bound to please. Perfect alongside chicken tikka masala or a sage and pinenut gnocchi.

Grant Burge is a fifth generation vigneron and one of Australia's most industry respected winemakers. He retains an intimate knowledge of Barossa vineyards and is well positioned to select the pick of Chardonnay from the choicest cool climate sites. A large portion is sourced from Burge's own Summers property in Eden Valley, a further component is picked off vines planted to higher altitudes in Adelaide Hills. Subtle oak treatments play a role, imparting depth and framing the fruit while supporting the fine palate structure.

$2699each $323DOZEN EACH DOZEN The history of the Burge family and their long association with winemaking in the region can be traced back to March 1855% Throughout his career, Burge has been one of the most respected and innovative forces in the Australian wine industry. Chardonnay grapes are chilled and whole bunch pressed before a combination of cultured and natural indigenous yeast ferments ensue in a mix of seasoned and French oak hogsheads with solids to assist the mouthfeel. Smaller components are treated to vinification in controlled fermenters and a course of malolactic. Components are matured for eight months with regular stirring of lees to infuse complexity and build creamy palate texture.

Bright golden hues. Delicate aromas of citrus, white peaches and spice. The palate exhibits incredible balance, fruit flavours are fully integrated with lime acidity and a hint of creaminess provided by lees stirring. The balance creates a wine with superb length and refinement. Food matches such as spiced quail, roasted pork loin with fennel or seafood gumbo allow Summers Vineyard to fully express itself.