The fall of communism in Hungary saw many new beginnings, and one of note for wine lovers was the formation of The Royal Tokaji Company by wine-writer Hugh Johnson, and a consortium of foreign investors with the sole vision of revitalising the magnificent sweet wines of Hungary. The Royal Tokaji Company today is a benchmark for the noble wines of the region, from their 3 Puttonyos wines at around 60-90 grams per litre of residual sugar through to the intense Essencia at 450-850 grams, they are wines that offer the drinker a unique insight to one of the great wine styles of the world. Harvest was the earliest in living memory and probably the earliest ever, providing good volumes of healthy, ripe grapes with firm acidity and excellent quality. The warm, dry autumn was more conducive to drying the grapes than to botrytis, but nevertheless we managed to pick a very satisfactory amount of fine quality Aszú berries, a generous proportion of which are included in this blend. Overall, a record-breaking and outstanding vintage, ripe, rich, and balanced. The grapes were harvested in October and at the beginning of November. After pressing, the settled juice was fermented in tanks and then the majority of the blend was transferred to barrels for five to six months ageing. Bottled at 108 grams of residual sugar per litre. Pale gold colour with delicate citrus and spicy aromas. Light and refreshing on the palate with hints of white peach and honey. It has an excellent acid balance, a smooth, silky texture and a clean, long, crisp finish.

Domaine Jean Dauvissat Père & Fils works 22 hectares of vineyard in Chablis across 7 communes with 53 separate parcels across Chablis and Chablis Premier Cru. Fabien took over from his father in 2009, following training in Beaune and Dijon concluding with a Masters on Bordeaux. The Domaine began with Fabien’s grandfather in La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, but it was Fabien who took up where his grandfather left off in terms of bottling and labelling rather than selling off in bulk. Fabien’s approach is one of respect for the terroir, working each vineyard and parcel individually to express the differences from one site to another; and one of respect for the environment by restricting interventions wherever possible. Vinification is in temperature controlled stainless steel with the total maturation for the premier crus around two years. A young new Chablis producer to watch. Domaine Jean Dauvissat Pere & Fils are known to produce Chablis that are rich, with the perfect balance between minerality and fruit. Using no oak, the wines are aged for a considerable time in modern stainless steel tanks before being bottled, so they have time to develop. A classic Cote de Lechet, about as mineral as Chablis can be. This premier cru Cote de Lechet is a model of Left Bank precision, razor sharp, with juicy, mouth-watering acidity. A characteristic floral attack and gun-flint smokiness fill the mid-palate, and the finish is bright berry fruit and long, long minerality.

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.

The Chauveau family have been making wine since the 19th Century, and in the mid 1990s Benoit Chauveau gradually took over the vineyards of his grandparents and parents. Today, their property has over 17 hectres including of Pouilly Fumé, Pouilly sur Loire and Coteaux du Giennois. A new cellar was added to the estate for the 2012 harvest. Their approach is to continually strive to improve the quality of their wines through the development of sustainable methods. Located just opposite the Pouilly Fumé designation, on the other side of the Loire, the Sancerre designation is also known for the quality of its white wine, 100% Sauvignon. Benoît Chauveau Sancerre has a very pale yellow colour with greenish tints. Vivacious and bursting with fruit, dominant floral and fruity aromas. The crisp attack gives way to a rich, rounded palate for a finale full of freshness. Sancerre makes a delightful aperitif. It is also perfect with grilled fish, seafood, scallops and white meats. A great match for Crottin de Chavignol AOC goat cheeses from the Centre region.

Apsley Gorge vineyard, located in the beautiful Apsley Valley near Bicheno, Tasmania, is renowned for its exceptional wines. Planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the 1990s, the vineyard has thrived under the guidance of Brian Franklin, a former Abalone diver and Lobster fisherman. The vineyard spans 7 hectares and emphasizes low yields and non-irrigation to maintain fruit stability and quality. Brian Franklin, mentored by Burgundy winemaker Phillipe Charlopin, took over winemaking responsibilities in the late 1990s. Apsley Gorge wines have gained recognition as a premier label, distributed across Australia and exported internationally. The winery sits in the breathtaking "The Gulch" in Bicheno, paying homage to Tasmania's fishing and agricultural heritage. With its unique location near Apsley Gorge national Park, the vineyard benefits from cooling breezes, resulting in a distinct micro-climate. Brian Franklin's extensive winemaking experience in France and Australia ensures Apsley Gorge wines achieve full phenolic ripeness, showcasing ripe fruit, finesse, and texture. These wines possess excellent natural acidity, striking a harmonious balance without heaviness. Apsley Gorge wines are produced naturally, with minimal new oak, yielding exceptional wines of class and structure. Tasmanian Chardonnay wine is renowned for its exceptional quality and distinctive character. The island's cool climate, pristine environment and unique terroir create the perfect conditions for cultivating this versatile grape variety. Tasmanian Chardonnay wines are known for their elegant structure, vibrant acidity and remarkable balance. They often exhibit flavors of citrus, stone fruits and subtle notes of French oak, showcasing the region's expertise in producing wines of finesse and complexity. With their crisp freshness and refined texture, Tasmanian Chardonnays embody the essence of cool-climate winemaking. These wines have garnered international acclaim, earning a reputation as some of the finest examples of Chardonnay, captivating wine enthusiasts with their elegance and expression of Tasmania's unique terroir. The Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2022 is a rare gem, produced from just 1 hectare of fully mature vines, resulting in a limited production of approximately 100 dozen bottles. Reflecting the cooler climate of Tasmania's east coast, it showcases finesse, vibrant acidity and the characteristic generosity and richness of Apsley Gorge wines. With immediate pleasure and the potential to age for 5-10 years, this vintage stands out as one of the finest expressions of Apsley Gorge Chardonnay. The nose reveals precise fruit characters and delicate French oak, while the palate offers a harmonious fusion of fruit, oak, yeast and minerality supported by refreshing acidity. Ripe peaches, apricots, lemon herbs and spices create a lively and flavourful experience, complemented by a rich and creamy texture. This Chardonnay exemplifies the artistry of old-style winemaking, with sumptuous notes of peach, toasty oak and honeycomb. The elegant complexity on the nose speaks to the exceptional quality of the meticulously grown, low-yielding, hand-picked fruit. French oak barrel fermentation adds depth and the palate seamlessly combines texture, fruit and minerality. With each sip, the wine reveals power, concentration and a luxurious complexity, culminating in a buttery finish that lingers. In conclusion, the Apsley Gorge Chardonnay 2022 is an extraordinary wine that embodies the unique character of its vineyard. With finesse, richness and the potential for graceful aging, it promises both immediate enjoyment and the ability to evolve beautifully over time.

Nanny Goat is a Central Otago winery known best for their Pinot Noir but their Chardonnay is also exceptional. Its name derives from the fact that much of the country is rough, dry, mountainous and desolate – seemingly suitable only for goats. Apparently, the brand’s owner, Aussie John Valmorbida, was climbing up to a hilltop restaurant near Queenstown when the goat idea struck him. It is rather appropriate. Hand picked and whole bunch pressed to stainless steel tanks before being mixed and transferred to 500L French oak puncheons (25% new) with high solids. The wine is then left to ferment naturally with occasional lees stirring to enhance palate weight and texture. The wine underwent 90% malolactic fermentation, softening the palate yet retaining a fine vein of acidity for balance on the palate.

The story of Jean-Louis Chavy winery begins with Jean-Louis Chavy himself, who inherited the winery from his father. Jean-Louis was determined to uphold his family's legacy while also pursuing his passion for winemaking and striving to enhance the winery's reputation. Guided by his deep appreciation for the Burgundy region's terroir and microclimate, Jean-Louis embarked on a journey of innovation and meticulous craftsmanship. He embraced sustainable viticulture practices, carefully nurturing the vineyards with a strong commitment to environmental preservation. The winery's vineyards are home to decades-old vines that embody the essence of Puligny-Montrachet. At Jean-Louis Chavy winery, an unwavering dedication to quality is apparent throughout the winemaking process. Grapes are meticulously hand-picked at their peak ripeness and gently pressed to extract only the purest juice. Fermentation takes place in traditional oak barrels, imparting complexity and depth to the wines. The Chavy family believes in patience, allowing the wines to age gracefully in their cellars for several years, allowing the flavors to harmonize and reach their full potential. Renowned for their exceptional Chardonnay wines, particularly the Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru and Grand Cru offerings, Jean-Louis Chavy winery captivates the palate with a harmonious blend of citrus, stone fruit and subtle mineral notes. These wines are known for their longevity and can evolve in complexity over several decades. Jean-Louis employs classic winemaking techniques, including whole bunch pressing and temperature-controlled settling for 24 hours. He exclusively uses natural yeasts for fermentation and has discontinued the practice of battonage for several years. The estate's vineyards boast an impressive average age, with most vineyards aged between 20 and 40 years, while select vineyards in Folatieres and Clavoillons exceed 60 years. The use of new oak is restrained, with the village Puligny wines aged in 15% new oak and Premier Crus in 25%. In recent years, there has been a transition towards aging the wines in 350-liter barrels to minimize the influence of oak. While Jean-Louis does not own any Grand Cru vineyards, his Premier Crus are situated in proximity to some of Puligny's finest vineyards in the heart of the region. The Burgundy wine region in France is internationally renowned for its exceptional wines. Known for its terroir-driven approach, the region produces both red and white wines, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the predominant grape varieties. The diverse soil types contribute to the distinct characteristics of the wines and the winemaking practices prioritize minimal intervention. Bourgogne Blanc, also known as White Burgundy, is a delightful and highly regarded wine style that originates from the Burgundy wine region of France. As one of the world's most prestigious wine regions, Burgundy is known for producing exceptional white wines and Bourgogne Blanc is a shining example of its winemaking expertise. Bourgogne Blanc is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, which thrive in Burgundy's unique terroir. This terroir consists of limestone and clay soils that impart specific characteristics and flavors to the wines. The region's continental climate, with its moderate temperatures and distinct seasonal variations, further contributes to the complexity and elegance of Bourgogne Blanc. What sets Bourgogne Blanc apart is its versatility and expression of terroir. While the wines share a common grape variety, each vineyard and producer imparts their touch, resulting in a diverse range of styles and flavors. Some Bourgogne Blanc wines exhibit fresh citrus notes, while others showcase stone fruits, tropical nuances or even hints of minerality. The winemaking process for Bourgogne Blanc prioritizes craftsmanship and minimal intervention. Producers carefully handle the grapes and utilize traditional techniques to ensure the utmost quality in each bottle. Winemakers often employ barrel fermentation and aging techniques, adding complexity and structure to the wines. The Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy Bourgogne Blanc 2021 is a wine that captures the essence of Burgundy with its exceptional quality and tantalizing flavors. From vines bordering on to Puligny AC vineyards, this wine exhibits wonderful perfume and depth for its level, showcasing the expertise of the winemaker. On the nose, the wine exudes captivating aromas that immediately entice the senses. The bouquet is filled with notes of ripe fruits, such as juicy apples and luscious pears, alongside hints of delicate floral undertones. These aromas offer a preview of the vibrant fruit expression that awaits. With its 3/4 aging in barrel and 1/4 in stainless steel, this Bourgogne Blanc effortlessly strikes a balance between richness and freshness. On the palate, the wine impresses with its medium-bodied texture, delivering a velvety and satisfying mouthfeel. The oak aging contributes a touch of creaminess and complexity, adding to its luxurious character. The fruit expression in this wine is beautifully clear and vibrant, showcasing the true essence of the Chardonnay grape. Ripe apples, citrus zest and subtle hints of stone fruits dance across the palate, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The balance between fruit intensity, acidity and oak influence is remarkable, making this wine a true pleasure to enjoy from an early age. The Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy Bourgogne Blanc 2021 is a versatile wine that pairs effortlessly with a wide range of dishes. Its freshness and acidity make it a perfect companion for seafood, shellfish and poultry, while its creamy texture makes it an ideal match for dishes with rich, creamy sauces. The Domaine Jean-Louis Chavy Bourgogne Blanc 2021 is an outstanding value that offers both elegance and complexity. With its wonderful aromas, clear fruit expression and impressive aging potential, this wine represents the essence of Burgundy in a bottle.

Sourced and grown in the Adelaide Hills, this is a fine example of how good Chardonnay from this region can be. This is a blend of 3 different cultivars of the Chardonnay grape. Bunch pressed and in part wild fermented. Partial malolactic fermentation imparts further complexity. A beautifully textured and complex wine.