Rich, creamy and quite concentrated chardonnay with peach, hazelnut, bran biscuit and savoury, nutty yeast lees flavours. A seamless and satisfying wine that is deliciously approachable now but promises to age well. Alcohol: 13%. Closure: screwcap. Drink: 2019-2024. Rating: 95/100.

Bubb+Pooley Wines is a venture born out of passion and expertise. Justin Bubb and Anna Pooley, both with over 20 years of experience in winemaking across the globe, have finally decided to release their own wines. After working with premium vineyards throughout Tasmania, they are now collaborating with exceptional vineyards and people across the state to produce wines that connect with their philosophy of making wine from the ground up. Their use of concrete vessels is not an experiment but a traditional style of vessel that has been used for centuries in the Old World. Each shape has been chosen specifically to enhance the texture of the varietal within them and these beautiful, handcrafted vessels will last lifetimes. At Bubb+Pooley Wines, sustainability threads through and underpins their approach to everything they do. All of their decisions are focused on how they can do things better in order to minimize their impact on the environment. Their wines are raw, expressive and speak of place. The Coal River Valley wine region is located in Clarence, Tasmania, just northeast of Hobart. It was named after the first village that discovered coal in the area. The majority of grapes are grown on northern slopes and the region produces high-quality Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon blanc. The cool climate alluvial and sandy soils with a high concentration of clay sandstone provide a unique terroir for the wines. The Bubb + Pooley Chardonnay 2023 presents a luminous golden hue, offering a glimpse into the wine's inherent vibrancy and allure. This Chardonnay entices the senses with a captivating bouquet of ripe tropical fruits, including pineapple, mango,\ and hints of juicy peach, complemented by delicate notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and a subtle touch of hazelnut. The aroma exudes a harmonious blend of fruit-driven opulence and nuanced oak influences, creating a sensory delight. Upon tasting, the Chardonnay reveals a beautifully balanced interplay of flavors, showcasing the influence of its unique fermentation and maturation process. The wine's texture is luxuriously smooth, offering a delightful fusion of ripe citrus, tropical fruit and a subtle hint of baked apple, all underpinned by a delicate touch of creamy oak. The palate is marked by a delightful tension, transparency and energy, reflecting the wine's evolution and promise. The finish is enduring and invigorating, leaving a lasting impression of bright acidity, a touch of minerality and a lingering citrus zest, culminating in a deeply satisfying conclusion that hints at the wine's potential for further development. The Bubb + Pooley Chardonnay 2023 is a testament to the winemaking artistry and the unique approach to fermentation and maturation. With its tension, transparency, and energy, this wine embodies a promise of evolution and transformation, inviting anticipation and appreciation for the journey ahead. A wine that exudes both complexity and potential, it is poised to captivate and evolve, offering a compelling expression of Chardonnay that is as exciting as it is alluring.

Pale, straw colour with insinuations of green. Overt, ripe varietal fruit characters on the nose - pineapple, citrus and nectarine derived are from the warm vintage conditions. Mineral characters, orange blossom and almond meal along with some lees derived creaminess are all balanced within this multi-dimensional palate.

Champagne Charles Orban is a another fantastic grower/producer Champagne to offer simply amazing value-for-money for authentic Champagne. From a hands-on producer who have been tending their vineyards for decades, Charles Orban Blanc de Blanc is made from 100% estate grown Chardonnay that has a discrete nose of butter and nuttiness rounded by a palate with hints of brioche. A complex, mouth-filling boutique Champagne perfect as an aperitif or alongside many heartier meals.

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