{"title":"corporate white wine gifts","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"handpicked-collection-tasmanian-chardonnay-2019","title":"Handpicked Collection Tasmanian Chardonnay 2019","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Handpicked Collection range is a set of premium wines that encapsulate the best characteristics of each region. The fruit for the 2019 Collection Tasmanian Chardonnay was sourced from Handpicked's Auburn Road and Native Point Vineyards in the Tamar Valley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"It's tight and linear on the palate, really racy flavours, with lashings of citrus and mineral acidity, a touch of nuttiness and there's also a saline, briny element that really ups the ante on the complexity front. Then at the end, en garde, there's a rapier-like acidity that gives the wine crunch, drive and tautness.\"  Aaron Brasher\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"\u003c\/b\u003eThis is a leaner style Chardonnay, reflecting its Tasmanian provenance, it has juicy lemon and fine white peach fruit notes and mouth-watering acidity. The oak character is restrained, adding light notes of nougat and nuts. This wine is drinking beautifully now and has all the requisites to soften, integrate and mature beautifully over the next 10 or more years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe fruit was harvested in the cool of morning before overnight refrigerated transport to Capella Vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula, arriving in pristine condition and ready for gentle whole bunch pressing. This wine was fermented in barrel – a mix of used and new Burgundian barriques and puncheons – and matured in the same barrels for 12 months.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"  \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHandpicked Wines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eExpert reviews\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA gorgeous small batch cool climate chardonnay fom the Tamar Valley. T\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ehe lean structure and gorgeous white stone fruits immediately announce its Tasmanian terroir. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePowerful, taut and intense, the palate's pristine, silky fruit is showcased by a spine of racy acidity that is the key to its power. Stunning.\"  \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNick Munday, Canterbury Wines - 97 points and Special Value Wine  \u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\" data-mce-style=\"color: #f9e00c;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Very youthful and pale-straw colour in the glass. There's aromas of grapefruit pith, wet stone, white peach, vanilla and a touch of melon skin. It's tight and linear on the palate, really racy flavours, with lashings of citrus and mineral acidity, a touch of nuttiness and there's also a saline, briny element that really ups the ante on the complexity front. Then at the end, en garde, there's a rapier-like acidity that gives the wine crunch, drive and tautness. Drink: 2021-2030.\"  \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAaron Brasher, The Real Review - 95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Pale lemon colour. Subdued nose but showing some baked pastry and touch of sea-spray. What the nose might be lacking is well made up for with serious palate intensity. Tasmania often provides a taut mineral-driven fruit, and this has captured that very well. Subtle oak gives off a nougat note but it's that lemon curd acid drive that is the star of the show. If Chablis is your thing then get a look at this wine. Drink: 2021-2031.\" \u003cstrong\u003e Stuart Knox, The Real Review - 95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Handpicked has ventured to the Tamar Valley, adding another string to their extensive portfolio\u003c\/span\u003e. Grapefruit and a hint of mandarin flavours are the cornerstones of a tenacious palate that has excellent natural acidity providing guard rails for a long, focused finish and aftertaste\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e. Drink by 2033.\"   \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJames Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion - 95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAwards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGold Medal – 2020 Royal Hobart Wine Show\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSpecial Value Wine – Canterbury Wines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\" data-mce-style=\"color: #f9e00c;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e★\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVineyards\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Handpicked-CapellaVineyard_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688308573\" alt=\"Handpicked Capella Vineyard\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapella Vineyard, Mornington Peninsula\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Capella Vineyard is a small ultra-premium vineyard near the shores of Western Port on the Mornington Peninsula. The vineyard is planted with 5.2 ha of Pinot Noir and 1.6 ha of Chardonnay. The oldest vines (6ha) were planted in 2009 and a new block of Pinot Noir was planted in 2015 with the aim of providing more clonal variation in the vineyard. Soils are grey clay loam and there is a strong maritime influence, with moderating winds year-round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vines are planted around a lake that is home to a thriving community of resident and migratory birds, including our signature black swans. The vineyard is in a protected zone known as the 'green wedge', a ring of environmentally-significant land surrounding Melbourne and often called the 'lungs' of the city. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Handpicked Auburn Road Vineyard\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Handpicked-AuburnRoadVineyard_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688305617\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuburn Road Vineyard, Tasmania\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuburn Road Vineyard is on the western bank of the Tamar River in the north of Tasmania. Handpicked Wines purchased the property in 2018 with five hectares under vine; a further five hectares were planted in spring 2020. The vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard has views to the north over the Tamar River estuary and Bass Strait, which exerts a strong maritime influence. Stands of indigenous forest and an abundance of native wildlife and birds, including majestic wild peacocks, complete the picture at this idyllic place in a very special corner of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Handpicked Native Point Vineyard\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Handpicked-NativePointVineyard_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688306734\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative Point Vineyard, Tasmania\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Native Point Vineyard is located on the eastern bank of the Tamar River. Handpicked purchased the vineyard in 2019 from Sheena and Tim High, first-class growers from whom they had purchased grapes over many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts north-westerly aspect and position in Swan Bay, about 50km inland from Bass Strait, make Native Point one of the warmer sites in Tasmania and it has the advantage of good rainfall and irrigation dams. There are five hectares under vine, planted to a mix of Pinot Noir clones, Riesling and Pinot Gris. There are plans to double that area beginning in spring 2020 and the new planting will include Pinot Noir and Gamay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Handpicked Wombat Creek Vineyard\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Handpicked-WombatCreekVineyard_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688338605\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWombat Creek Vineyard, Yarra Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWombat Creek is the most elevated vineyard in the Yarra Valley, making it uniquely situated for the production of premium cool climate wines. At 424m above sea level, it is a true cool-climate vineyard with a reliable annual rainfall of around 1200mm. Mature Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines are planted on north and west-facing hills near Gladysdale in the outer reaches of the Upper Yarra Valley. There are 16 ha under vine – 6 ha of Chardonnay and 10 of Pinot Noir. The soils are free-draining volcanic loams. A light covering of snow is not uncommon in winter when the vines are dormant, but the steep slopes allow frost to drain away and protect the tender shoots from freezing temperatures in spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the crest of the highest hill at Wombat Creek, steep slopes of vines stretch to the north. At the bottom of the vineyard there is a spring-fed pond covered in water lilies; this is the source of Wombat Creek, which trickles through the hills, joining Hoddles Creek a few kilometres to the north-west and ultimately emptying into the meandering Yarra River. To the north, looking over dense Mountain Ash forest and folds of green hills dotted with wombat holes, the blue horizon is dominated by the saddleback ridge of Mt Donna Buang. The surrounding forest, fern gullies and creeks are home to platypus, lyrebirds, kangaroos, wallabies and, of course, wombats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Handpicked Highbow Hill Vineyard\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Handpicked-HighbowHillVineyard_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688339113\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Handpicked-HighbowHillVineyard_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688339113\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHighbow Hill Vineyard, Yarra Valley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighbow Hill Vineyard is 40 hectares of established vines planted on rolling hills just north of Yarra Glen village in the Yarra Valley. The vineyard takes its name from Highbow Hill, the dominant feature on the eastern boundary of the property. The soils are sandy loam over clay and gravel over mudstone and there is an abundance of native flora and fauna, including wombats and kangaroos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard was originally planted in 1997\/98 to 33ha of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Marsanne. New plantings (7ha) of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet were added in 2015 and 2016.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you enter the property over the brow of a hill looking north, a long driveway takes you through the vines to a central dam and provides panoramic views looking over the Yarra Valley. Like Capella Vineyard, Highbow Hill is in Melbourne's 'green wedge' zone and is protected by local and state laws as an area of outstanding natural beauty with important environmental value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Handpicked-WatungaRoadVineyard_6e6a75bd-3156-4bc0-a2d4-2afac6e8abc5_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688340468\" alt=\"Handpicked Watunga Road Vineyard\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatunga Road Vineyard, Barossa Valley  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 12ha Watunga Road Vineyard, located in Koonunga on the flat floor of the Barossa Valley, has old bush vine Grenache (planted mid-1970s) and Shiraz planted in 1976\/77 and 1998\/99. New plantings in 2016 included Grenache to replace natural losses of old vines and a new Shiraz block. Drip irrigation was installed in 2015 to insure against drought in this warm, arid zone and to improve general soil health. However, water is used sparingly and strictly according to seasonal need, as well as availability of this precious resource. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the winery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Handpickedlogo_1024x1024_9a7f4b4d-0083-435d-97e5-5e9464d768c5_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688342678\" alt=\"handpicked logo\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandpicked Wines is a family-owned, multi-regional business that focuses on the production of high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their winery is located in the Mornington Peninsula adjacent to their flagship vineyard Capella, but they also own top quality vineyards in the Yarra Valley, Tasmania and Barossa Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandpicked Wines produce three tiers of wine; a Single Vineyard range, a Collection range and a budget Regional Selections range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Single Vineyard releases, as the name implies, are sourced from their six vineyards; the Capella Vineyard in the Mornington Peninsula, the Wombat Creek and Highbow Hill Vineyards in the Yarra Valley, the Auburn Road and Native Point Vineyards in Tasmania's Tamar Valley, and the Watunga Road Vineyard in the Barossa Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Collection range, which sits below the Single Vineyard range, is a set of premium wines that encapsulate the best characteristics of each region. Fruit is sourced from their own vineyards and other top quality leased vineyards. Director of winemaking Peter Dillon travels extensively to oversee quality throughout the regions; he and assistant winemaker Rohan Smith work closely with a team of viticulturists who manage the vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Handpicked Wines founder and managing director William Dong admits that he came into the wine industry knowing little about the challenges ahead; he just loved wine and wanted to make wines that people would want to share together. It didn't take long to realise that to make truly great wines that express the best of their region he would need to invest in special vineyards and passionate people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapella Vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula was the first vineyard purchased, in 2013. It remains Handpicked's spiritual home and where our winemakers are based. We now own six vineyards in Mornington, Yarra Valley, Tasmania and Barossa Valley. In other regions in Australia and around the world we work with exceptional growers who have become part of the Handpicked family over many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've come a long way - our team has grown, we make more wines in more regions, we've won a lot of trophies, received great reviews, thrown some epic parties and begun an exciting journey into organics - but our purpose to share the love of wine has not wavered. And as William would say, 'The real journey starts today.'\"\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandpicked Wines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canterbury Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42896846094577,"sku":"","price":49.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/handpicked-collection-tasmanian-chardonnay-2019.jpg?v=1696829413"},{"product_id":"leeuwin-estate-art-series-chardonnay-2019","title":"Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Jordan WA Wine Review 2023 - Best Chardonnay \u0026amp; White Wine of the Year\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"I’ve gone on record more times than I care to count saying the Leeuwin Art Series is Australia’s greatest chardonnay.\"  James Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay needs no introduction. It is an icon of Australian wine and is one of Langton's Heritage Five which celebrates Australia's most exceptional and ground-breaking wines - the other four being Penfolds Grange, Henschke Hill of Grace, Mount Mary Quintet and Wendouree Shiraz. It is often compared favourably with great White Burgundies. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"This is stunning stuff. Just a brilliant wine. World class. An extraordinary blend of opulence, fresh energy, purity of flavour, intensity and length. Focus is laser-like. Glorious now, but there is so much more ahead, with greater complexity and tertiary flavours to emerge as it ages. Expect this to be thrilling wine lovers in a decade. This release will inevitably be compared with the finest from both Australia and Burgundy. It sits very comfortably among them. Wonderful now, but it has so much more to reveal.\"  Ken Gargett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Art Series Chardonnay is sourced primarily from the 1976-planted Block 20 and supplemented with fruit from the 1978-planted Block 22. The quality of the vineyard is well recognised and remains the backbone of the Art Series Chardonnay. The vineyard blocks are planted to the Gingin clone on a series of rolling hills facing all directions. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Purity and clarity are the hallmarks of this wine. Woven lime curd, poached pear, lemon flesh and white nectarine feature at the forefront. This vintage breathes energy with lifted Chinese star jasmine, lime blossom and ginger notes. The complexity of cinnamon quill, toasted hazelnuts, nougat, panna cotta, flint and graphite diligently lie in the background. The palate is bright and energetic, with laced mineral acidity. Bursting lemon, lime and pear skin meet oyster shell and saline notes, providing a precise corridor and direction. Gently coiled textures give lateral capacity and dimension.\u003c\/span\u003e\"  \u003cstrong\u003eLeeuwin \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ca title=\"Leeuwin Estate\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/-QD-l6zxnJk\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/LeeuwinEstateVideo_480x480.png?v=1697349487\" alt=\"Leeuwin Estate\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Leeuwin Estate story\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert reviews\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eIn many ways the most Burgundian of any of the Leeuwin releases, this will rank up there with the best to date. There's a waxy light mealy aroma which picks up nuances of limestone and spice with a trace of grapefruit. But it is the palate that really distinguishes it. There is an austerity with the minerally chalky feel that cuts through the fruit extending to a finish of extraordinary length. Precision and focus harness a wine of great power and poise before dry savoury edges lift the finish. Date: March 2022; Drink: 2024-2038.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eRay Jordan, WA Wine Review 2023 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e– 99 points and Best Chardonnay \u0026amp; White Wine of the Year\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The morphology of the Gingin clone sees the berries ripen differently. The smaller berries usually possess slightly higher sugars and acidity. Vintage takes place in mid-February to early March and the grapes (about 2-3 kilos per vine) are hand-harvested when they have reached a point of 'energy, bone and pop!' This translates to intense pure fruit aromas, richness of flavour, fine al dente textures and fresh indelible acidity. These are the hallmark qualities of Gingin clone chardonnay. I have often wondered at the clone's provenance and passing resemblance to Meursault.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePale colour. Intense lemon curd, grapefruit, peach, tropical fruit aromas with underlying roasted cashew\/ hazel nut notes. Lovely grapefruit, lemon curd, tropical fruits, fine persistent chalky textures, attractive mid plate volume and fresh long indelible acidity. Finishes al dente, with savoury oak note. Still elemental but wonderfully balanced with the fruit density and torque to last the distance. Now – 2036.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal - 98+ points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eLeeuwin Art Series Chardonnay on release is an achingly painful thing to drink, because once you've known the utter pleasure these wines bring at 5 or more years of age, it becomes a mess of cognitive dissonance to drink them so young. They are closed, taut, coiled, but more than anything, populated by rippling fruit that undulates untold through the interminably long finish. They typically don't reveal their kaleidoscopic spice and prismatic fruit flavour until a little further down the track. So, all I can humbly do here, is place the vintage in context. Through the lens of the cool year, this glitters with a purity and finesse that is deeply attractive. Aligned in style with the 2017. Drink by 2042.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eErin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion - 98 points and Special Value Wine   \u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003eOne of Australia's most iconic wines and certainly our most famous Chardonnay. That means it can never put a foot wrong – the clamour of horror would be deafening if a release fell short, whereas if it maintains the incredible standards it has set over decades, there is little more than a ho-hum. Well, ho-hum, this is stunning stuff. Just a brilliant wine. World class. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extraordinary blend of opulence, fresh energy, purity of flavour, intensity and length. Stonefruit notes, lemon zest, oystershell and almond notes. Hints of mandarin and peach and even a touch of ripe mango. The oak is integrating well and will become even better in the coming years. Focus is laser-like. Glorious now, but there is so much more ahead, with greater complexity and tertiary flavours to emerge as it ages. Expect this to be thrilling wine lovers in a decade, if there is any left. This release, as they all are, will inevitably be compared with the finest from both Australia and Burgundy. It sits very comfortably among them. Wonderful now, but it has so much more to reveal. Drink: 2022-2032.\u003cspan\u003e\"  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKen Gargett, Wine Pilot - 98 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The 2019 Art Series Chardonnay is rich and savory but pure and saline too. There is white peach, red apples, curry leaf and brine. The way the flavor moves across the palate is testament to the phenolics that course through the wine; it’s all at a perfect intersect of fruit power, tannin and perfectly judged acidity. The flavor stains the palate and lingers in an unravelling spool of thread in the mouth long after the wine has gone. A stupendously good wine.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eErin Larkin, Wine Advocate - 98 points \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Gloriously perfumed, pure and precise, with heady lily opening up. Softly smoky, slow-burn oak suffuses the palate without detracting from the classic, fresh-cut and succulent poached pear, with firmer al dente pear skin and a touch of custard apple sweetness. Lanolin, cinnamon and lemon puff biscuit bring texture and nuance. Terrific length, poise and intensity, with lingering fruit and perfume. Archetypal Art Series.\" \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sarah Ahmed, Decanter - 98 points\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The 2019 Art Series Chardonnay is rich and savory but pure and saline too. There is white peach, red apples, curry leaf and brine. The way the flavor moves across the palate is testament to the phenolics that course through the wine; it's all at a perfect intersect of fruit power, tannin and perfectly judged acidity. The flavor stains the palate and lingers in an unravelling spool of thread in the mouth long after the wine has gone. A stupendously good wine.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eErin Larkin, Wine Advocate - 98 points \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003ePale lemon, with a stylish nose of fennel, preserved lemon and cigar box spice. A delicate frame of spicy oak sits nicely alongside the fruit, finishing with toasted brioche and mealy flavours. Then a saline edge kicks in. There's tension yet generosity to the fruit. This is an outstanding wine, nothing feels forced, the fruit has been picked with precision timing. This lives up to its mantle as one of Australia's best, a brilliant release. Drink 2022-2033.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eGabrielle Poy, The Real Review - 97 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"It's interesting to note the more refined, tighter style that Leeuwin has delivered over the last handful of years. They are still powerful, and rich in oak, but show less alcohol warmth and what you might call 'breathiness' these days. Anyway, a very good vintage for Chardonnay was 2019.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePear, lemon oil, grapefruit, ginger, cinnamon and cedar oak, with a distinctly savoury sort of hazelnut character, along with some vanilla and white flower perfume. It's tight, powerful, saline and precise, with a firm flintiness to texture, quite chalky, and superb spicy length with an almost umami aftertaste. I'm thinking grapefruits and biscuits, grilled nuts, even citrus zest.  And for all its power and oak, it keeps itself racy and refined. It's a cracking release. Drink 2025-2032+\"  \u003cstrong\u003eGary Walsh, The Wine Front - 97 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This very impressive 2019 Margaret River Chardonnay Art Series from a benchmark winemaker is a baby and built for the long haul. It's tightly wound and bursting with youthful vitality thanks to exceptionally precise melon, citrus and floral aromas. There is a rare combination of seamlessness and power - a steel fist in a velvet glove - with oak perfectly matched. Fantastic fruit volume follows yet the wine also remains light on its feet with a long line of flavours slowly emerging including praline, nougat, citrus and spicy oak through to a finish of immense length. A true classic.\"\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAngus Hughson, Vinous - 96 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRay Jordan WA Wine Review 2023 - Best Chardonnay \u0026amp; White Wine of the Year\u003cbr\u003eSpecial Value Wine – Halliday Wine Companion\u003cstrong\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe winery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Leeuwin Estate\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/LeeuwinEstate_e7fa3f1d-0d5c-4de0-9ab3-3f7561809f53_1024x1024.png?v=1677927342\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1969, Denis and Tricia Horgan purchased a farm and plumbing business in Margaret River that they would eventually transform into Leeuwin Estate, one of Australia's most iconic wineries. At the time they had little interest in wine or plumbing (they sold the business), but in 1972 they met legendary Napa Valley winemaker, Robert Mondavi, who wanted to purchase their farm to plant vineyards. The farm was not for sale, but with Mondavi acting as consultant and mentor, they planted vineyards with the dream of becoming a world-class producer of premium wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA nursery was planted in 1974, the vineyards were planted over a five-year period from 1975 and Leeuwin released its first commercial vintage in 1979. The Leeuwin Estate vineyards are planted to Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, but it is the Chardonnay and to a lesser extent the Cabernet that are the stars of the portfolio. Langton's classifies Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay as 'Exceptional' and one of the Heritage Five which celebrates Australia's most iconic, exceptional and ground-breaking wines - the other four are Penfolds Grange, Henschke Hill of Grace, Mount Mary Quintet and Wendouree Shiraz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeeuwin Estate releases its wines under three labels, the Art Series, Prelude Vineyards and Siblings. The Art Series range was created in 1980 and features Australian artwork on the labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDenis and Tricia Horgan continue their involvement in Leeuwin Estate, but today it is their two eldest children, son Justin Horgan and daughter Simone Furlong, who run the business as joint chief executives. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"I fell into the wine industry because Mondavi wanted to buy the land; I thank God that we didn't sell.\"  Denis Horgan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"Leeuwin Estate Winery and the Margaret River Sub Regions\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/MargaretRiverSubRegions-Leeuwin_1024x1024.jpg?v=1702022561\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeeuwin Estate Winery and the Margaret River Sub Regions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArt series labels\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Art series Label\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Leeuwin1_1024x1024.png?v=1677924734\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Art Series range was created in 1980 and features Australian artwork on the labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I had developed an interest in Australian art in the early days. During a trip to Europe I was invited to meet Baroness Philippine de Rothschild at the Chateau Mouton-Rothschild wine estate in Bordeaux. The winemaker showed me around the winery and art gallery before having lunch with the Baroness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was so impressed with the way art had been integrated into the business that I asked Baroness Philippine if she would mind if we used Australian Artwork on our labels. She thought that was a great idea and said, \"Go ahead\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo we created the 'Art Series' range in 1980 to define our most opulent and age-worthy wines from each vintage.  The first label carried a painting of our region's famous 'Caves Road' by Robert Juniper. We now have over 150 paintings from Australia's leading contemporary artists in our collection. We display the original artworks in the winery art gallery.\"  Denis Horgan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection now comprises over 150 paintings and features artworks from artists including John Olsen, Arthur Boyd, Sir Sidney Nolan, Lloyd Rees, Albert Tucker, Fred Williams, Robert Juniper, Clifton Pugh and Imants Tillers. The only work not part of the Estate's own collection is Sir Arthur Streeton's Golden Summer, which was kindly offered by its then owner for use on a special Museum Release of the 1987 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon before moving to its new home at the National Gallery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of the paintings and sculptures were specifically commissioned. Others were discovered in exhibitions around Australia and the artists approached for copyright permission to be reproduced as part of the label series. The first painting commissioned was of Caves Road by Robert Juniper for the 1980 Art Series Chardonnay. John Olsen was approached to paint the first artwork to be used on the Art Series Riesling. He responded with the creation of four works entitled “Frogs in Riesling”. These paintings were so irresistible that the decision was made to purchase all four\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand all have been used, in a random pattern, on Art Series Riesling labels ever since. This makes the Riesling unique, as for the labels of all other wines, a new work is commissioned each year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Leeuwin4_1024x1024.png?v=1677925623\" alt=\"Art Series Labels - Frogs in Riesling\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSir Sidney Nolan, when approached at the beginning of the series, advised he was not a graphic artist and did not paint for wine labels. He was also a red wine buff and was sent two unlabelled bottles of the 1982 Cabernet Sauvignon – one of Leeuwin's best vintages. He responded that for this wine he would happily provide a painting. This resulted in his Dolphin Rock appearing on the label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the high calibre of the artists consenting to appear on the labels, it is no longer a challenge convincing leading artists to be part of this collection. Eventually, as the collection builds, it is hoped to tour it in its own right. Some works have been lent from time to time but most are on display in the Leeuwin Estate Art Gallery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe concerts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/LeeuwinEstateConcert_1024x1024.png?v=1677926746\" alt=\"Leeuwin Estate Concert\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"As one of the world's most isolated wine regions, we wanted to be creative in generating reasons for visitors to come and discover Margaret River and our wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur winery overlooks a meadow surrounded by a forest of tall karri trees, creating a beautiful natural amphitheatre. So in 1985 we wrote to the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, the local Ballet Company and the Opera Company inviting them to consider coming down and doing a concert. The idea of alfresco performances in the bush was extremely novel at the time and we didn't get much interest from any of them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe then Director of The Festival of Perth, David Blenkinsopp, approached us about that time, asking if we would underwrite the visit to Australia of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, something that somewhat shocked us at the time, huge costs, logistics and all of that – no was the answer, unless they would be prepared to perform in our vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe went off to London to organise the tour and said he'd talk to the LPO and let me know. To my surprise he came back and said they'd love to perform at Leeuwin, as long as we underwrote the whole Australian tour. Trish thought I was mad, in fact everybody I know thought I was mad, but I said yes!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunnily enough it was a bit like the wine, we didn't know that much about music and certainly nothing about being concert promoters, however we thought the London Philharmonic Orchestra was a pretty good 'band' to start our concerts with! They really might be worth the risk and we needed to generate a profile for our wine business in a creative way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo 100+ members of The London Philharmonic Orchestra travelled all the way to Margaret River, we built a stage, did some creative things entertainment wise and all had a fantastic night. The concert was a sell-out; we even had to turn away 500. It made front page news, described as “The most extraordinary concert ever held in Australia.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur wines were successfully launched nationally at functions held off the back of the concerts throughout Australia – it proved to be a highly successful promotion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe impact of that first concert guaranteed the future success of our concerts. Whilst it cost a fortune in our underwriting of the total Australian tour it was a highly successful launch pad to promote Leeuwin Estate to all the right people at home and Eastern Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat first Leeuwin Concert was so successful that we continued the relationship with the Festival of Perth for another two years, featuring other international orchestras. Then we thought that we needed to do something different and presented Ray Charles. The new format proved to be even more successful so we decided to stick to that format for a while – 32 years later we have presented an eclectic array of the world's leading musicians at Leeuwin, from Sting to James Taylor, Carole King and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.\"  \u003cspan\u003eDenis Horgan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eText taken from Milton Wordley's article 'People of Wine', https:\/\/winetenquestions.com.au\/\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canterbury Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42896859889905,"sku":"","price":185.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/leeuwin-estate-art-series-chardonnay-2019_71b031e4-54fc-4b8b-99af-b86f2aa939c4.jpg?v=1702254319"},{"product_id":"fighting-gully-road-chardonnay-2021","title":"Fighting Gully Road Chardonnay 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFighting Gully Road is a boutique winery and vineyard in the Beechworth region of northeast Victoria established by well-known viticulturist and winemaker Mark Walpole. The vineyard is at an elevation of 530-580 meters above sea level, its steady slope rising to the top of the escarpment that overlooks the fertile Murmungee basin. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2009 the opportunity arose to lease the acclaimed Smith's Vineyard, a small vineyard planted to Chardonnay in 1978 and the oldest vineyard in the region. The 2021 Fighting Gully Road Chardonnay is sourced from these 43-year-old vines and the Fighting Gully Road Vineyard, ferment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eed in mainly used French barriques, and aged on lees for 10 months. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"I nearly fell over when I tried this wine for the first time. It's from Beechworth, we love Beechworth. Giaconda, Sorrenberg, Savaterre, Domenica... a whole bunch of super producers, Fighting Gully Road absolutely among them. Malo is blocked. All the usual things we'd expect - handpicked, whole bunch pressed, straight to barrel, good amount of solids. What else can I tell you. When I tried it, the reason why I loved it, I just could not believe how cheap this wine is. At $35 bucks it's outrageous... maybe it's $40, whatever. It is spicy, it's flinty, it's complex, it's delicious, the acid is really taut, the fruit is powerful. This is an exceptional wine. If you can track it down. I was so thrilled to try it you know, because chardonnay is expensive, good chardonnay is expensive because oak is expensive and everything that goes into chardonnay costs a lot, but this is just not. It's just awesome. Ripping little wine, highly recommended.\"  Erin Larkin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Cool climate Chardonnay characters prevail with grapefruit, melon, white stone fruit, mineral and a hint of struck match. The palate is textural and medium weight supported by delicate oak providing length and persistence. It shows richness despite the lack of malolactic fermentation, principally from the vines now over 40 years of age.\"\u003cstrong\u003e  Fighting Gully\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca title=\"2021 Fighting Gully Road Chardonnay\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/At3ghrTVqCg\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/FightingGullyRoadChardonnay2021-EllenLarkin_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688374466\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003eErin Larkin reviews the 2021 Fighting Gully Road Chardonnay (2:35 into the video)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"From a top vintage in Beechworth, this wonderful wine is a reminder that Mark Walpole crafts beautiful chardonnays that belong in everyone's cellar. The 2021 Fighting Gully Road Chardonnay is powerful, complex and harmonious, radiating citrus and stone fruit on the intense and very long palate, all kept in line by a delicious line of fresh acidity. Remarkable value.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNick Munday, Canterbury Wines - 96+ points and Special Value Wine  \u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhite label. So sunny and upfront delicious but, whoa, slow down and take your time with this little treasure. It's deceptively easy to enjoy, but there is some seriously good viticulture and winemaking behind it, not to mention the influence of a top vintage. Summer-fresh scents of nectarine, white peach and citrus, while quality oak brings a warm textural background to layers of fruit, gentle spice, nougat and almond meal. This is archetypal Beechworth chardonnay full of drinking pleasure. Drink by 2028.\"  \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJeni Port, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHalliday Wine Companion - 95 points and Special Value Wine  \u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBright and vibrant pale-yellow colour. Struck flint, roast hazelnut, and white nectarine aromatics. Such power and intensity of stone fruits on entry that carries right to the end. Equally powerful notes of grilled cashews, butterscotch and smoky flint ensure you return over and over to explore its layers. At the price it offers remarkable value. Drink: 2023-2031.\"  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStuart Knox, The Real Review - 95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBrilliant concentration of flavor here! The 2021 Chardonnay from Fighting Gully Road is tight and almost terse in the mouth, with layers of preserved lemon, brine, white peach and crushed nuts. It's a smart little wine, through and through, and a great value for the money. Drink: 2022 - 2032.\"  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eErin Larkin, Wine Advocate - 93 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAwards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecial Value Wine – Halliday Wine Companion  \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSpecial Value Wine – Canterbury Wines  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMark Walpole\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/FightingGullyRoadMarkWalpole_1024x1024.png?v=1684017592\" alt=\"Mark Walpole from Fighting Gully road\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMark Walpole is heralded as one of Australia's greatest viticulturists. Gourmet Traveller has named him 'Perpetual Viticulturist of the Year', an award reserved for only the most seasoned and accomplished grape growers in Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark studied farm management in school before finding a job with Brown Brothers, one of the largest vineyard holders in Victoria. At Brown Brothers, Mark worked his way up to chief viticulturist, and gained experience with nearly every grape in every microclimate of Victoria. While still with Brown Brothers, Mark purchased his own land in 1995 and established Fighting Gully Road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Mark has a rare understanding of aspect, soils and cool-climate grape growing. His Fighting Gully Road vineyard reflects his skill at planting varieties on the slopes and soils that allow them to sing in their finest voice.\"  Nick Butler, The Real Review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2019 Mark took out the inaugural Viticulturist of the Year award at the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show (AAVWS). The award recognised Mark's contribution to the development of alternative varieties in Australia. For example, he changed the face of Sangiovese in Australia after a chance meeting with fellow vigneron Alberto Antonini on an international flight in 1997. The H6V9 Sangiovese clone that existed in Australia from the 1960s until that time was a disappointing imitation of the real thing. It had been selected because it was high yielding but it was very difficult to make a good wine with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn an effort to improve the quality of Sangiovese in Australia, Mark and Alberto embarked on an adventure to bring the good stuff down under. \"We brought in a whole pile of new Sangiovese clones and other Italian stuff”, says Mark. \"A lot of those clones we brought in were from really, really old vineyards; one, in particular, had had no new genetic material brought into that vineyard for a couple of hundred years.” Mark hand-selected his favourites from the varieties and planted them at Fighting Gully Road. \"Those new clones have changed the face of Sangiovese in Australia. They're lower yield (naturally), loose clusters, and smaller berries, and so it's much, much easier to make good wine than before,” says Mark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The Fighting Gully Road Sangiovese has also got 5% or so of another old Tuscan red in there which we brought in at the same time, called Colorino”, Mark says. \"If you're talking about Sange, you have to talk about Colorino.” In the 1960s, when Chianti came in wicker flasks, quantity over quality was the name of the game and the wine was really acidic. \"Colorino is the opposite of all that”, says Mark. \"It has huge colour, no acid, and was a perfect blender with Sange in that period. It softened the wine, gave it colour and a bit of flavour.” Colorino is rarely used in Tuscany today, as clonal selection and viticultural practices have changed so much. But Mark finds that at Fighting Gully Road a little dash of color adds another dimension to the Sangiovese. \"When we do the blending, we always look at all the Sange barrels, put the whole wine together, and then we look at it with the Colorino. It's always a better wine with the Colorino in than without, so it always goes in” explains Mark. \"It's rare – very few people in Australia grow it. We have one row of Colorino at Fighting Gully Road, and that's plenty.\" \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the winery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/FightingGullyRoad_1024x1024.png?v=1677240053\" alt=\"Fighting Gully Road Vineyard\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFighting Gully Road is a boutique winery and vineyard in the Beechworth region of northeast Victoria established by well-known viticulturist and winemaker Mark Walpole. Mark purchased the farm, which lies to the south of the town of Beechworth, in 1995. The site is at an elevation of 530-580 meters above sea level, its steady slope rising to the top of the escarpment that overlooks the fertile Murmungee basin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first vines were planted in 1997, following two years of clearing the site of scrub, stumps, and thousands of rabbits. The north and west facing lower slopes were planted to the red Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; the upper and east facing slopes to Pinot Noir. Over subsequent years the vineyard has been expanded with significant plantings of Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Shiraz, Petit manseng and Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2009 the opportunity arose to lease the acclaimed Smith's Vineyard, located only a few minutes away from the Fighting Gully Road site. This small vineyard was planted to Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in 1978, making it the oldest vineyard in the region. In the 2010 vintage Mark released his first chardonnay under the Fighting Gully Road label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark shares the Smith Vineyard lease with long-time friend and winemaker Adrian Rodda from A. Rodda Wines. They also share a winery space in the abandoned Mayday Hills lunatic asylum in Beechworth. The old maintenance workshop of the asylum has been cleared of wood lathes and blacksmithing furnaces and is now where Fighting Gully Road wines are made. Mark says, \"We are now making wine in a building in an old and historic Lunatic Asylum – a place that should be full of winemakers!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark is heralded as one of Australia's greatest viticulturists and from his immaculately grown fruit Fighting Gully Road crafts a wonderful range of wines that showcase the versatility of the Beechworth region. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canterbury Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43510431875313,"sku":"","price":54.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Fighting-Gully-Road-Chardonnay-2021_b56b1603-c1c2-429e-bc3e-e80625abc0fc.jpg?v=1696478682"},{"product_id":"coldstream-hills-deer-farm-vineyard-chardonnay-2021","title":"Coldstream Hills Deer Farm Vineyard Chardonnay 2021","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrophy, Best Table Wine of Show - 2022 Brisbane Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrophy, Best Chardonnay of Show - 2022 Brisbane Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eColdstream Hills prides itself on having access to many of the best vineyards in the Yarra Valley. Back in the late 1980s, James Halliday introduced single vineyard wines to Coldstream Hills demonstrating their unique styles. The tradition has continued with the release of the Deer Farm Single Vineyard range. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Purity and clarity are watchwords for this beautiful young chardonnay, with typical Yarra Valley length. White peach, grapefruit and grilled almond\/nougat flavours are sustained by juicy acidity.\"  James Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAt higher altitude and planted in 1994 on grey clay-loam soil, the 29ha Coldstream Hills Deer Farm Vineyard in Gladysdale produces archetypal Upper Yarra Valley chardonnay. \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe 2021 Deer Farm Vineyard Chardonnay was sourced from the south-facing Block C East and the north-facing Block E which are planted to the I10V1 clone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Over many years of tasting the wines of the Yarra Valley's Coldstream Hills I have seen many wonderful wines. A few are still deeply etched in my memory to the point I can remember exactly where I was when I tasted them. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBut having just tasted the recently released range of reserve and single vineyard wines from the outstanding 21 vintage, I have no hesitation in saying this is the best group of wines I have seen from this great producer. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAs a final comment, these wines are amazing value for money for such quality.\"  Ray Jordan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"This wine was fermented and matured in seasoned and new (47%) French oak puncheons and barriques. Vibrant pale straw colour with green tinge. The nose is fragrant lemon\/lime rind with white florals and lemon barley with underlying nougat, mineral slate, and subtle French oak. The palate is fine, pure and linear with texture, complexity, and tight juicy acidity. Lemon barley and blossom notes are supported by seamless French oak, wet rock like slate and mealy overtones. Tightly wound, but with layers of flavour. An outstanding vintage in the Yarra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA near perfect season for cool climate varieties in the Yarra. Good winter and spring rainfall replenished the soil profile allowing a good start to the growing season. Spring was generally mild with no frost, flowering occurred during warm, stable conditions which was ideal. The ripening season was generally mild and punctuated with well-timed rainfall. A very even harvest period with gradual ripening and flavour development, vibrant natural acidity, and excellent quality fruit.\" \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eColdstream Hills\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"Deer Farm has regularly produced the best single vineyard wines each year and is the jewel in the Coldstream crown.\"  James Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eExpert reviews\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOne of the best I have seen under this label within the Coldstream chardonnay portfolio. It's a product of a great vintage in the Yarra, but then it moves into another zone of pure class. Opens with a fragrant aroma of lime and lemon zest against a background of floral slaty nougat. The palate really moves into gear with its keenly linear precise structure. There's just a hint of meal and cereal richness although the palate is still showing a degree of tension and tightness. Will become something special. Cellar 10 years.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eRay Jordan, Ray Jordan Wine - 96 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"A single vineyard wine made from fruit grown on the C and E blocks. Barrel fermented and matured in 47% new French oak puncheons and barriques. Classic, upper Yarra chardonnay from a great year with a beautifully defined bouquet of just-picked orchard fruits, nashi, some spice and a little saline minerality. Tightly wound, there's excellent drive through the mid-palate as this energetic wine finishes brisk and very long. This will benefit with age, but if you're going to drink it now, please, don't drink it too cold. Drink to: 2029.\" \u003cstrong\u003e Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion - 96 points and Special Value Wine  \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePure peach, nectarine and pear-like flavour wrapped in minty, cedar-spiced oak. It's a pretty simple formula but the power on offer, the seamless flow of it, and the authoritative length are all entirely convincing. This is young, fresh, juicy and refined, in a powerful context, albeit a mouthwatering one. There are no issues here. It is very good. Drink: 2024 - 2031.\"  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCampbell Mattinson, The Wine Front - 95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFermented and matured in French oak (47% new). Purity and clarity are watchwords for this beautiful young chardonnay, with typical Yarra Valley length. White peach, grapefruit and grilled almond\/nougat flavours are sustained by juicy acidity. 13% alc, screwcap. Drink to 2041.\u003c\/span\u003e\"  \u003cstrong\u003eJames Halliday, The Weekend Australian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Very light colour; aromas of nougat, chicken stock and creamy lees. It's rich and soft in the mouth, and there is refreshing acidity that is seamless. Very attractive wine that punches above its weight. Drink: 2023-2031.\" \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Huon Hooke, The Real Review - 94 points\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrophy, Best Table Wine of Show – 2022 Brisbane Wine Show\u003cbr\u003eTrophy, Best Chardonnay of Show - 2022 Brisbane Wine Show\u003cbr\u003eGold Medal - 2022 Brisbane Wine Show\u003cbr\u003eSpecial Value Wine – Halliday Wine Companion  \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the winery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"Coldstream Hills Vineyard\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Coldstreamhills_1024x1024.png?v=1673489938\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWine writer, judge and personality James Halliday Suzanne and his wife Suzanne founded Coldstream Hills in 1985. It has since grown to become one of Australia's leading small wineries, with a reputation for producing high quality estate wines and outstanding single vineyard and reserve wines. Situated in the Yarra Valley, one of Australia's premier cool climate wine regions, the steep, close-planted vineyards lining the natural Amphitheatre have become a signature of the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Amphitheatre and House Block were planted in 1985. Land adjacent to Coldstream Hills was purchased in 1988, followed by the planting of G Block with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. The year ended with the construction of the winery. The Upper Yarra Valley Vineyard was planted in 1993, followed by the acquisition of the Briarston Vineyard in 1994, and the Fernhill Vineyard in 1996. A new temperature-controlled barrel cellar, capable of handling up to 1500 barrels, was built in 1999. In 2013, Coldstream Hills purchased the Deer Farm Vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWinemakers Andrew Fleming and Jarratt joined Coldstream Hills in 2001 and are still there today. Andrew has more than 30 years of winemaking experience, including vintages in France at the iconic Chateau Haut Brion in Bordeaux and in the Languedoc region. Their leadership has produced a string of wine show awards over the ensuing years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canterbury Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43585983807729,"sku":"","price":45.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/coldstream-hills-deer-farm-chardonnay-2021_2087bd6a-01ff-4dd9-a68a-1c5cad1ac2f4.jpg?v=1715903882"},{"product_id":"leeuwin-estate-art-series-chardonnay-2019-1500ml","title":"Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019 (1500ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Jordan WA Wine Review 2023 - Best Chardonnay \u0026amp; White Wine of the Year\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"I’ve gone on record more times than I care to count saying the Leeuwin Art Series is Australia’s greatest chardonnay.\"  James Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay needs no introduction. It is an icon of Australian wine and is one of Langton's Heritage Five which celebrates Australia's most exceptional and ground-breaking wines - the other four being Penfolds Grange, Henschke Hill of Grace, Mount Mary Quintet and Wendouree Shiraz. It is often compared favourably with great White Burgundies. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"This is stunning stuff. Just a brilliant wine. World class. An extraordinary blend of opulence, fresh energy, purity of flavour, intensity and length. Focus is laser-like. Glorious now, but there is so much more ahead, with greater complexity and tertiary flavours to emerge as it ages. Expect this to be thrilling wine lovers in a decade. This release will inevitably be compared with the finest from both Australia and Burgundy. It sits very comfortably among them. Wonderful now, but it has so much more to reveal.\"  Ken Gargett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Art Series Chardonnay is sourced primarily from the 1976-planted Block 20 and supplemented with fruit from the 1978-planted Block 22. The quality of the vineyard is well recognised and remains the backbone of the Art Series Chardonnay. The vineyard blocks are planted to the Gingin clone on a series of rolling hills facing all directions. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Purity and clarity are the hallmarks of this wine. Woven lime curd, poached pear, lemon flesh and white nectarine feature at the forefront. This vintage breathes energy with lifted Chinese star jasmine, lime blossom and ginger notes. The complexity of cinnamon quill, toasted hazelnuts, nougat, panna cotta, flint and graphite diligently lie in the background. The palate is bright and energetic, with laced mineral acidity. Bursting lemon, lime and pear skin meet oyster shell and saline notes, providing a precise corridor and direction. Gently coiled textures give lateral capacity and dimension.\u003c\/span\u003e\"  \u003cstrong\u003eLeeuwin \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ca title=\"Leeuwin Estate\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/-QD-l6zxnJk\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/LeeuwinEstateVideo_480x480.png?v=1697349487\" alt=\"Leeuwin Estate\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Leeuwin Estate story\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert reviews\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eIn many ways the most Burgundian of any of the Leeuwin releases, this will rank up there with the best to date. There's a waxy light mealy aroma which picks up nuances of limestone and spice with a trace of grapefruit. But it is the palate that really distinguishes it. There is an austerity with the minerally chalky feel that cuts through the fruit extending to a finish of extraordinary length. Precision and focus harness a wine of great power and poise before dry savoury edges lift the finish. Date: March 2022; Drink: 2024-2038.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eRay Jordan, WA Wine Review 2023 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e– 99 points and Best Chardonnay \u0026amp; White Wine of the Year\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The morphology of the Gingin clone sees the berries ripen differently. The smaller berries usually possess slightly higher sugars and acidity. Vintage takes place in mid-February to early March and the grapes (about 2-3 kilos per vine) are hand-harvested when they have reached a point of 'energy, bone and pop!' This translates to intense pure fruit aromas, richness of flavour, fine al dente textures and fresh indelible acidity. These are the hallmark qualities of Gingin clone chardonnay. I have often wondered at the clone's provenance and passing resemblance to Meursault.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePale colour. Intense lemon curd, grapefruit, peach, tropical fruit aromas with underlying roasted cashew\/ hazel nut notes. Lovely grapefruit, lemon curd, tropical fruits, fine persistent chalky textures, attractive mid plate volume and fresh long indelible acidity. Finishes al dente, with savoury oak note. Still elemental but wonderfully balanced with the fruit density and torque to last the distance. Now – 2036.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal - 98+ points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eLeeuwin Art Series Chardonnay on release is an achingly painful thing to drink, because once you've known the utter pleasure these wines bring at 5 or more years of age, it becomes a mess of cognitive dissonance to drink them so young. They are closed, taut, coiled, but more than anything, populated by rippling fruit that undulates untold through the interminably long finish. They typically don't reveal their kaleidoscopic spice and prismatic fruit flavour until a little further down the track. So, all I can humbly do here, is place the vintage in context. Through the lens of the cool year, this glitters with a purity and finesse that is deeply attractive. Aligned in style with the 2017. Drink by 2042.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eErin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion - 98 points and Special Value Wine   \u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003eOne of Australia's most iconic wines and certainly our most famous Chardonnay. That means it can never put a foot wrong – the clamour of horror would be deafening if a release fell short, whereas if it maintains the incredible standards it has set over decades, there is little more than a ho-hum. Well, ho-hum, this is stunning stuff. Just a brilliant wine. World class. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extraordinary blend of opulence, fresh energy, purity of flavour, intensity and length. Stonefruit notes, lemon zest, oystershell and almond notes. Hints of mandarin and peach and even a touch of ripe mango. The oak is integrating well and will become even better in the coming years. Focus is laser-like. Glorious now, but there is so much more ahead, with greater complexity and tertiary flavours to emerge as it ages. Expect this to be thrilling wine lovers in a decade, if there is any left. This release, as they all are, will inevitably be compared with the finest from both Australia and Burgundy. It sits very comfortably among them. Wonderful now, but it has so much more to reveal. Drink: 2022-2032.\u003cspan\u003e\"  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKen Gargett, Wine Pilot - 98 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The 2019 Art Series Chardonnay is rich and savory but pure and saline too. There is white peach, red apples, curry leaf and brine. The way the flavor moves across the palate is testament to the phenolics that course through the wine; it’s all at a perfect intersect of fruit power, tannin and perfectly judged acidity. The flavor stains the palate and lingers in an unravelling spool of thread in the mouth long after the wine has gone. A stupendously good wine.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eErin Larkin, Wine Advocate - 98 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Gloriously perfumed, pure and precise, with heady lily opening up. Softly smoky, slow-burn oak suffuses the palate without detracting from the classic, fresh-cut and succulent poached pear, with firmer al dente pear skin and a touch of custard apple sweetness. Lanolin, cinnamon and lemon puff biscuit bring texture and nuance. Terrific length, poise and intensity, with lingering fruit and perfume. Archetypal Art Series.\" \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sarah Ahmed, Decanter - 98 points\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The 2019 Art Series Chardonnay is rich and savory but pure and saline too. There is white peach, red apples, curry leaf and brine. The way the flavor moves across the palate is testament to the phenolics that course through the wine; it's all at a perfect intersect of fruit power, tannin and perfectly judged acidity. The flavor stains the palate and lingers in an unravelling spool of thread in the mouth long after the wine has gone. A stupendously good wine.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eErin Larkin, Wine Advocate - 98 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003ePale lemon, with a stylish nose of fennel, preserved lemon and cigar box spice. A delicate frame of spicy oak sits nicely alongside the fruit, finishing with toasted brioche and mealy flavours. Then a saline edge kicks in. There's tension yet generosity to the fruit. This is an outstanding wine, nothing feels forced, the fruit has been picked with precision timing. This lives up to its mantle as one of Australia's best, a brilliant release. Drink 2022-2033.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eGabrielle Poy, The Real Review - 97 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"It's interesting to note the more refined, tighter style that Leeuwin has delivered over the last handful of years. They are still powerful, and rich in oak, but show less alcohol warmth and what you might call 'breathiness' these days. Anyway, a very good vintage for Chardonnay was 2019.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePear, lemon oil, grapefruit, ginger, cinnamon and cedar oak, with a distinctly savoury sort of hazelnut character, along with some vanilla and white flower perfume. It's tight, powerful, saline and precise, with a firm flintiness to texture, quite chalky, and superb spicy length with an almost umami aftertaste. I'm thinking grapefruits and biscuits, grilled nuts, even citrus zest.  And for all its power and oak, it keeps itself racy and refined. It's a cracking release. Drink 2025-2032+\"  \u003cstrong\u003eGary Walsh, The Wine Front - 97 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This very impressive 2019 Margaret River Chardonnay Art Series from a benchmark winemaker is a baby and built for the long haul. It's tightly wound and bursting with youthful vitality thanks to exceptionally precise melon, citrus and floral aromas. There is a rare combination of seamlessness and power - a steel fist in a velvet glove - with oak perfectly matched. Fantastic fruit volume follows yet the wine also remains light on its feet with a long line of flavours slowly emerging including praline, nougat, citrus and spicy oak through to a finish of immense length. A true classic.\"\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAngus Hughson, Vinous - 96 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRay Jordan WA Wine Review 2023 - Best Chardonnay \u0026amp; White Wine of the Year\u003cbr\u003eSpecial Value Wine – Halliday Wine Companion\u003cstrong\u003e  \u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe winery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Leeuwin Estate\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/LeeuwinEstate_e7fa3f1d-0d5c-4de0-9ab3-3f7561809f53_1024x1024.png?v=1677927342\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1969, Denis and Tricia Horgan purchased a farm and plumbing business in Margaret River that they would eventually transform into Leeuwin Estate, one of Australia's most iconic wineries. At the time they had little interest in wine or plumbing (they sold the business), but in 1972 they met legendary Napa Valley winemaker, Robert Mondavi, who wanted to purchase their farm to plant vineyards. The farm was not for sale, but with Mondavi acting as consultant and mentor, they planted vineyards with the dream of becoming a world-class producer of premium wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA nursery was planted in 1974, the vineyards were planted over a five-year period from 1975 and Leeuwin released its first commercial vintage in 1979. The Leeuwin Estate vineyards are planted to Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, but it is the Chardonnay and to a lesser extent the Cabernet that are the stars of the portfolio. Langton's classifies Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay as 'Exceptional' and one of the Heritage Five which celebrates Australia's most iconic, exceptional and ground-breaking wines - the other four are Penfolds Grange, Henschke Hill of Grace, Mount Mary Quintet and Wendouree Shiraz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeeuwin Estate releases its wines under three labels, the Art Series, Prelude Vineyards and Siblings. The Art Series range was created in 1980 and features Australian artwork on the labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDenis and Tricia Horgan continue their involvement in Leeuwin Estate, but today it is their two eldest children, son Justin Horgan and daughter Simone Furlong, who run the business as joint chief executives. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"I fell into the wine industry because Mondavi wanted to buy the land; I thank God that we didn't sell.\"  Denis Horgan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Leeuwin Estate Winery and the Margaret River Sub Regions\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/MargaretRiverSubRegions-Leeuwin_1024x1024.jpg?v=1702022561\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeeuwin Estate Winery and the Margaret River Sub Regions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArt series labels\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Art series Label\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Leeuwin1_1024x1024.png?v=1677924734\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Art Series range was created in 1980 and features Australian artwork on the labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I had developed an interest in Australian art in the early days. During a trip to Europe I was invited to meet Baroness Philippine de Rothschild at the Chateau Mouton-Rothschild wine estate in Bordeaux. The winemaker showed me around the winery and art gallery before having lunch with the Baroness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was so impressed with the way art had been integrated into the business that I asked Baroness Philippine if she would mind if we used Australian Artwork on our labels. She thought that was a great idea and said, \"Go ahead\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo we created the 'Art Series' range in 1980 to define our most opulent and age-worthy wines from each vintage.  The first label carried a painting of our region's famous 'Caves Road' by Robert Juniper. We now have over 150 paintings from Australia's leading contemporary artists in our collection. We display the original artworks in the winery art gallery.\"  Denis Horgan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection now comprises over 150 paintings and features artworks from artists including John Olsen, Arthur Boyd, Sir Sidney Nolan, Lloyd Rees, Albert Tucker, Fred Williams, Robert Juniper, Clifton Pugh and Imants Tillers. The only work not part of the Estate's own collection is Sir Arthur Streeton's Golden Summer, which was kindly offered by its then owner for use on a special Museum Release of the 1987 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon before moving to its new home at the National Gallery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of the paintings and sculptures were specifically commissioned. Others were discovered in exhibitions around Australia and the artists approached for copyright permission to be reproduced as part of the label series. The first painting commissioned was of Caves Road by Robert Juniper for the 1980 Art Series Chardonnay. John Olsen was approached to paint the first artwork to be used on the Art Series Riesling. He responded with the creation of four works entitled “Frogs in Riesling”. These paintings were so irresistible that the decision was made to purchase all four\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand all have been used, in a random pattern, on Art Series Riesling labels ever since. This makes the Riesling unique, as for the labels of all other wines, a new work is commissioned each year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Leeuwin4_1024x1024.png?v=1677925623\" alt=\"Art Series Labels - Frogs in Riesling\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSir Sidney Nolan, when approached at the beginning of the series, advised he was not a graphic artist and did not paint for wine labels. He was also a red wine buff and was sent two unlabelled bottles of the 1982 Cabernet Sauvignon – one of Leeuwin's best vintages. He responded that for this wine he would happily provide a painting. This resulted in his Dolphin Rock appearing on the label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the high calibre of the artists consenting to appear on the labels, it is no longer a challenge convincing leading artists to be part of this collection. Eventually, as the collection builds, it is hoped to tour it in its own right. Some works have been lent from time to time but most are on display in the Leeuwin Estate Art Gallery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe concerts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/LeeuwinEstateConcert_1024x1024.png?v=1677926746\" alt=\"Leeuwin Estate Concert\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"As one of the world's most isolated wine regions, we wanted to be creative in generating reasons for visitors to come and discover Margaret River and our wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur winery overlooks a meadow surrounded by a forest of tall karri trees, creating a beautiful natural amphitheatre. So in 1985 we wrote to the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, the local Ballet Company and the Opera Company inviting them to consider coming down and doing a concert. The idea of alfresco performances in the bush was extremely novel at the time and we didn't get much interest from any of them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe then Director of The Festival of Perth, David Blenkinsopp, approached us about that time, asking if we would underwrite the visit to Australia of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, something that somewhat shocked us at the time, huge costs, logistics and all of that – no was the answer, unless they would be prepared to perform in our vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe went off to London to organise the tour and said he'd talk to the LPO and let me know. To my surprise he came back and said they'd love to perform at Leeuwin, as long as we underwrote the whole Australian tour. Trish thought I was mad, in fact everybody I know thought I was mad, but I said yes!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunnily enough it was a bit like the wine, we didn't know that much about music and certainly nothing about being concert promoters, however we thought the London Philharmonic Orchestra was a pretty good 'band' to start our concerts with! They really might be worth the risk and we needed to generate a profile for our wine business in a creative way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo 100+ members of The London Philharmonic Orchestra travelled all the way to Margaret River, we built a stage, did some creative things entertainment wise and all had a fantastic night. The concert was a sell-out; we even had to turn away 500. It made front page news, described as “The most extraordinary concert ever held in Australia.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur wines were successfully launched nationally at functions held off the back of the concerts throughout Australia – it proved to be a highly successful promotion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe impact of that first concert guaranteed the future success of our concerts. Whilst it cost a fortune in our underwriting of the total Australian tour it was a highly successful launch pad to promote Leeuwin Estate to all the right people at home and Eastern Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat first Leeuwin Concert was so successful that we continued the relationship with the Festival of Perth for another two years, featuring other international orchestras. Then we thought that we needed to do something different and presented Ray Charles. The new format proved to be even more successful so we decided to stick to that format for a while – 32 years later we have presented an eclectic array of the world's leading musicians at Leeuwin, from Sting to James Taylor, Carole King and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.\"  \u003cspan\u003eDenis Horgan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eText taken from Milton Wordley's article 'People of Wine', https:\/\/winetenquestions.com.au\/\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canterbury Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43763704987889,"sku":"","price":495.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Leeuwin-Estate-Art-Series-Chardonnay-2019-1500ml_f5f3d0f6-cdd7-49a7-ba54-0b77abf6034e.jpg?v=1702254397"},{"product_id":"giant-steps-applejack-vineyard-chardonnay-2023","title":"Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAustralian White Wine of the Year 2025 - Huon Hooke, The Real Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"A wonderful wine of precision and charm. Congratulations to Mel Chester and the Giant Steps team.\"  Huon Hooke\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"This is a ripping chardonnay. This is an advanced level wine.\"  Campbell Mattinson\u003cbr\u003e\"Superb definition and purity. A wonderful wine.\"\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003cb\u003eAndrew Caillard MW\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGiant Steps is recognized as a global benchmark for cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery was established in \u003c\/span\u003e1998\u003cspan\u003e, one year after founder Phil Sexton arrived in the Yarra Valley in search of ideal sites to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of purity and finesse. The Giant Steps Single Vineyard range is produced from the most site-expressive fruit off the best vineyards in great years. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Anything Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir can do, Applejack Chardonnay can do just as well. This is a ripping chardonnay. It has fruit power up its sleeve and in its wrist bands and everywhere else. And yet it’s tight. And stony. Shot with white peach. There’s some dare to the acidity but it brings flavour with it; it took the risk and it turned out, the reward was worth it. This is an advanced level wine. You drink it, and you know all you need to know.\"  Campbell Mattinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eThe Applejack Vineyard, named after the Applejack eucalypts that surround the vineyard, is located at Gladysdale in the upper Yarra Valley. It was planted in 1997 by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin and is meticulously managed by his son Mark. This vineyard was purchased by\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhil Sexton \u003c\/span\u003ein 2013. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eLocated at an elevation of 320 metres, the higher altitude results in a cooler and extended growing season (3-4 weeks later than central Yarra Valley) and is ideally suited to growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eApplejack Vineyard is located on a dramatic, north-east-facing slope with close-planted vines. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\"2023 was a small, high-quality vintage in the Yarra Valley. The grapes in 2023 had lovely fruit concentration with bright natural acidities. 100% handpicked and whole bunch pressed. The juice was then transferred directly to barrel by gravity with no settling, taking full lees. Wild fermented in 500L French oak puncheons. No bâtonnage. No Malolactic fermentation. Maturation for 9 months in used French oak – 25% 2nd use, 75% seasoned, Mercurey, Taransaud and Dargaud \u0026amp; Jaeglé.\"\u003cb\u003e  Giant Steps\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAustralian White Wine of the Year 2025 - Huon Hooke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Of43Pxb3Z-o\" title=\"Giant Steps Applejack Chardonnay 2023 - The Real Review White Wine of the Year\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 16px; margin-bottom: 16px; float: left;\" alt=\"Giant Steps Applejack Chardonnay 2023 - The Real Review White Wine of the Year\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Giant_Steps_Applejack_2023_White_Wine_of_The_Year_240x240_4d4f1cab-e419-4d53-9f28-fd4870a7149e_240x240.jpg?v=1747709598\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert reviews\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Chardonnay is the wine on everyone’s lips and Australian chardonnay is in a great place right now. \u003c\/span\u003eSeveral cooler than average recent vintages have helped winemakers field refined, intense and yet delicate chardonnays with great balance and subtlety allied with depth and complexity. Giant Steps Applejack Chardonnay 2023, our White Wine of the Year Australia 2025, is such a wine. Immaculate cool-climate Upper Yarra fruit from a great vineyard, in the hands of highly skilled and practised winemakers, has been permitted to shine brightly and accurately reflect its place of origin. Oak and other winemaking inputs have been sensitively handled to that end. It’s a wonderful wine of precision and charm, beautiful to drink now but also promising to develop splendidly with age. Congratulations to Mel Chester and the Giant Steps team.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cs-reviewBody\"\u003eLight bright yellow in the glass with creamy pastry, spiced nectarine and lemon aromas and flavours, the palate intense and compact, tightly focused and long, with pencilly\/cedary and lemon butter flavours of great energy and vitality, lingering long on the aftertaste. Refreshing acidity. Superb now, even better with a bit more age on it.\u003c\/span\u003e Drink: 2025-2037.\"\u003cstrong\u003e  Huon Hooke, The Real Review - 98 points and Australian White Wine of the Year 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003ePale colour. Flinty, grapefruit, nectarine, pear skin aromas with marzipan, hint tonic water notes. Generous, flavourful and mouth filling with ample ripe nectarine, grapefruit flavours, lacy fine textures, attractive mid-palate richness and well-integrated quartz-like acidity. Finishes long and minerally. Superb definition, purity, volume and tension. A wonderful wine.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eAndrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal - 97 points\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eApplejack vineyard was planted at Gladysdale by Ray Guerin in 1997, and only 2ha of its 11ha is planted to chardonnay. It is named for the Applejack eucalypts that surround it. Whole-bunch pressed straight to barrel with full solids and matured in mainly second use puncheons. A very bright green gold. A pure and gently reticent bouquet of stone fruits, lemon verbena and crushed rocks. The palate is tightly coiled, steely, saline and focused. A wine with excellent potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Drink by 2032.\"  \u003cstrong\u003ePhilip Rich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e, Halliday Wine Companion - 96 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eAnything Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir can do, Applejack Chardonnay can do just as well. This is a ripping chardonnay. It has fruit power up its sleeve and in its wrist bands and everywhere else. And yet it’s tight. And stony. Shot with white peach. And run with apple, sweet cedar, brine and the wet leaves of a lemon tree. There’s some dare to the acidity but it brings flavour with it; it took the risk and it turned out, the reward was worth it. This is an advanced level wine. You drink it, and you know all you need to know.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e Drink: 2025-2030+.\"  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eCampbell Mattinson, The Wine Front – 96 points \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The Applejack vineyard is 1.8ha of Chardonnay, a blend of southern and northern slopes within its east facing site. No battonage and no malolactic fermentation. This vintage is highly aromatic in florals of billy buttons, sunflower and bee pollen. A touch of dandelion, peach stone and mandarin oil. Acidity reaches the zenith whilst the back palate offers shortbread, marzipan and hazelnut paste. I adore the originality of this wine, its showing off its more elevated site whilst an intriguing aromatic profile shines through. Drink now or will cellar well for 5 years. A wine that could handle a rich carbonara or cheesy cauliflower bake.\"\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  Shanteh Wale, Winepilot - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAustralian White Wine of the Year 2025 - Huon Hooke, The Real Review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-id=\"ce42974\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce42974 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApplejack vineyard\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/GiantStepsApplejackVineyard_1024x1024.png?v=1689389529\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApplejack Vineyard  (Upper Yarra Valley)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce42974 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ce42974\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"elementor-widget-container\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApplejack Vineyard is a special site, located on a dramatic slope in the upper Yarra Valley and is closely planted and fastidiously managed. It was planted by respected viticulturist Ray Guerin in 1997. The basalt based underlying volcanic soil and rock produce a characteristically fine yet extended, spicy and firm palate. The higher altitude results in a cooler and extended growing season, ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (3-4 weeks later than central Yarra Valley). This vineyard joined the Giant Steps family of Single Vineyards in 2013.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003eLocation:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eGladysdale            \u003cstrong\u003e    \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElevation\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e 320 metres          \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAspect\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003eEast-facing\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e 12.5 hectares                    \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanted\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003e1997                       \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Type\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e Grey clay loam\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChardonnay \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClones\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e I10V1     \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003ePinot Noir Clones:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eAbel, MV6, Pommard, 114, 115, D2V5, D5V15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Gint steps Vineyard Map\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/GiantstepsVineyardmap_PNG_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689390532\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Giantstepsvineyardheading_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689390756\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelanie Chester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cimg style=\"margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Giant_Steps_Melanie_Chester.png?v=1723799261\" alt=\"Winemaker Melanie Chester at work in the Giant Steps winery\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Melanie Chester at work in the Giant Steps winery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMel Chester didn’t want to be a winemaker, even though she grew up in a wine family. Her great-grandfather started importing American oak to make wine barrels in South Australia in the 1930s: his first customer was Penfolds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWine was always on the Chester dining table in Adelaide, being enjoyed and talked about. But, like most teenagers, young Mel rebelled. \"Dad was like, you’ll be a winemaker one day,\" says Chester, smiling. \"And I was like, piss off, Dad, you don’t know me.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThen, when she was 17 her father suggested she could earn some cash working in a winery down in McLaren Vale during vintage. \"And I was like, righto, but I’m not going to become a winemaker, so back off.\" She was, of course, hooked from day one. \"Loved it. Moved out of home. Didn’t have a driver’s licence. Hitched lifts to work. So much fun.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eShe studied Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide, where she was the recipient of both the Wolf Blass Prize for Excellence in Winemaking (2011) and the David Bradley Memorial Prize (2012). It was clear this girl was going to go far. \u003cspan\u003eIn 2014, Melanie became the youngest ever scholar selected for The Len Evans Tutorial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn 2015, after three years in a senior role at Seppelt’s Great Western winery in Victoria, the then 26-year-old was offered the role of winemaker-manager at Sutton Grange, a vineyard in the high country south of Bendigo. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMoving to Sutton Grange presented the \"right kind of challenge and change\" for Chester, as she could be more hands on at a boutique winery. \"Up until that point I had spent a good chunk of my career working with Treasury Wine Estates, which was a fantastic ground base for me in terms of learning and exposure to amazing vineyards and incredible winemakers … I was ready to work in a different sized business structure and really missed being a bit more hands on.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWithin months she was named Young Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine. In 2018, she was named people’s choice at the Young Gun of Wine awards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn 2021, after six years as Head Winemaker at Sutton Grange, Chester joined Giant Steps as Head of Winemaking and Viticulture. \"\u003cspan\u003eIt’s bittersweet to be moving on, but this is such a great opportunity.\" In addition to her duties at Giant steps, Melanie is a sought-after wine judge and currently is the Chair of Judges at the prestigious Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, the home of the Jimmy Watson trophy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe following text is taken from an article by Mark Hedley that appeared in Square Mile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMelanie Chester was born for her job. Her family business was importing barrels, and she realised from a relatively young age that the wine industry was for her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eShe studied Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Adelaide, where she was the recipient of both the Wolf Blass Prize for Excellence in Winemaking (2011) and the David Bradley Memorial Prize (2012). It was clear this girl was going to go far.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eShe began to build up her experience working across a number of estates in Australia spanning Central Victoria, the Grampians, McLaren Vale, and Barossa, as well as a stint at Quinta do Crasto in Portugal’s Douro Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAwards – and award-winning wines – came thick and fast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn 2015, she was named Young Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine, and in 2018, Melanie was recognized by Young Gun of Wine as the People’s Choice award.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHer love affair with Giant Steps started long before she became Head of Winemaking and Viticulture in 2021, collecting the wines for her personal cellar for many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eNow general manager of the prestigious Yarra Valley winery, she talks us through her journey in wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your first experience of wine?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWine was always a part of our dinner table at home, but my family business was importing barrels, so my earliest memory of the industry was as a school child, on the docks of the Adelaide Port. We had just brought in a container of barrels from France and I can still remember the toasty and rich oak smell of opening that container.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat was the first wine you tasted which really caught your attention?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI was in my late teens, and my uncle, who was an avid collector, opened some iconic Aussie wines around the family Christmas table. That afternoon I tried a 1992 Giaconda Pinot Noir, a 1992 Mount Mary Quintet and a 1994 Henschke Hill of Grace. These wines I can still remember when I think back on them. They were a lighting strike through my brain and it hasn't rewired itself since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhen did you decide 'I want to make wine!'?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAfter my first harvest as an intern – I loved the energy of the cellar, the smells, and the transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhere and when was the first wine you made? And was it any good?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI studied at the University of Adelaide and you make a \"project\" wine in third year. I made a very yucky small-batch white wine. But you have to start somewhere!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt in your career?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHard work, dedication and not cutting corners are the foundation for making great wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat’s your favourite memory from your career so far?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWhile people would assume it’s winning trophies or travelling to exotic places, for me it’s remembering those days in vintage where it's all just working. We nailed the picking date on something, the juice tastes great, the team are smashing it and the energy is positive, excited and collaborative. Those are the days I do it for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhich has been your favourite vintage over the last few years – and why?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e2022 was my first vintage at Giant Steps so that was a thrill, but the 2023 vintage, cool and mild, has produced some pretty amazing wines of purity. While those vintages are stressful as you're waiting for stuff to ripen, they often deliver incredible quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWho is your winemaking hero – and why?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI have a few. Of course, Lalou Bize-Leroy! But closer to home, my mentor and great friend Tom Carson, from Yabby Lake. He’s practical, thoughtful, generous with his time and knowledge, and has a real love of our Aussie wine industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIf you could only drink one grape for the rest of your life, what would you choose and why?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePinot noir – it’s the most complex and fascinating variety. I would never get bored as there is so much site discovery and expression to enjoy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat’s your death-row bottle from your own line-up?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eApplejack Pinot Noir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAnd from another winemaker?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOoooooh, very hard – either 1989 Chateau Rayas, 2012 Raveneau Les Clos or a 2015 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Saint-Vivant!\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the winery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Giant Steps Yarra Valley Range\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/GiantSteps_1024x1024.jpg?v=1670278917\"\u003e In 1997 Phil Sexton arrived in the Yarra Valley in search of ideal sites to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir of purity and finesse. He was looking for sites with altitude, aged soils, slopes of exposure, regular rainfall and cool to cold nighttime temperatures and a gentle breeze off the protecting mountain ranges. The Giant Steps winery was established one year later in 1998.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe focus is on the production of high-quality, single-vineyard wines. The Giant Steps Single Vineyard range is produced from the most site-expressive fruit off the best vineyards in great years. Each single vineyard wine tells a story about the vineyard, vintage and variety. Production of these wines is very limited with some vineyards producing as little as 200 cases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe single vineyards comprise the Sexton Vineyard in the Lower Yarra and the Applejack and Bastard Hill Vineyards in the Upper Yarra (both owned by Giant Steps), the \u003cspan\u003eTarraford Vineyard in the Lower Yarra under long-term lease, \u003c\/span\u003ethe Primavera Vineyard in the Upper Yarra under long-term supervised contract and, up until the 2023 vintage, the Wombat Creek Vineyard owned by Hand Picked Wines. \u003cspan\u003eIn addition, Giant Steps produces a Yarra Valley range of wines made from handpicked fruit from their estate vineyards. They are highly expressive wines, true to the regional characteristics of the Yarra Valley.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Giant Steps wines have received global acclaim and are now recognized as a global benchmark for cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. \u003c\/span\u003eSince 2003 Giant Steps wines have been awarded 34 trophies and over 100 gold medals at major international and domestic wine shows and has been named one of the Top 100 Wineries in the World by US Wine \u0026amp; Spirits Magazine for each of the last six years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiant Step's success is due in no small part to Steve Flamsteed, Chief Winemaker since 2003. \u003cspan\u003eSteve had previously worked for Leeuwin Estate (1999 – 2002) and the Hardy Wine Company at their Yarra Burn Winery in the Yarra Valley (2002 – 2003). Steve was named Gourmet Traveller Wine 'Winemaker of the Year' in 2016. \"\u003c\/span\u003eSteve Flamsteed is a man of many talents with a finely tuned palate, an instinctive flair for winemaking and fastidious attention to detail. This shows particularly in the stunning single-vineyard chardonnays and pinots of Giant Steps: distinctive wines that reflect their sites and glow with impeccable finesse.\"  Peter Forrestal, chairman of judges, Gourmet Traveller Wine Winemaker of the Year\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMelanie Chester joined Giant Steps as Head of Winemaking and Viticulture in 2021. She came to Giant Steps from Sutton Grange Winery in Central Victoria, where she was Head Winemaker. \u003cspan\u003eIn 2014, Melanie became the youngest ever scholar selected for The Len Evans Tutorial. In 2015, she was named Young Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine, and in 2018, Melanie was recognized by Young Gun of Wine as the People's Choice award winner for favourite winemaker.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGiant Steps was acquired by the Jackson Family in 2020. The Jackson Family own a vast stable of wineries in California (Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Monterey County, Santa Barbara and Oregon), Australia (Yarra Valley and McLaren Vale), Chile, France, Italy and South Africa.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canterbury Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45339347419377,"sku":null,"price":89.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Giant-Steps-Applejack-Vineyard-Chardonnay-2023_ff8c5772-a7a9-41d5-9cd2-cbe92be94b9f.jpg?v=1747792953"},{"product_id":"tolpuddle-vineyard-chardonnay-2024","title":"Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling Australian Wine of the Year 2025\u003cbr\u003eJames Suckling Top 100 Wines of the World 2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrophy, Best Young White - 2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards\u003cbr\u003eTrophy, Best Single Vineyard Wine - 2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards\u003cbr\u003eTrophy, Best Chardonnay - 2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards\u003cbr\u003eTrophy, Best Tasmanian Chardonnay - 2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW (Shaw \u0026amp; Smith) purchased the vineyard in 2011\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eafter a look-and-see jaunt to Tasmania when they became smitten by Tolpuddle's Coal Valley location and mature vines, planted only to pinot noir and chardonnay. They a\u003c\/span\u003ere fully committed to seeing Tolpuddle Vineyard recognised as one of Australia's great single vineyards. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Ooh-boy the Tolpuddle Chardonnay is in a good place. I guess you could call this vintage a 'classic'. White peach, lemon, grapefruit and nectarine fruits are high fidelity and beautifully poised, suffused with soft spice, clover and grapefruit blossom, crushed stone, cinnamon, a murmur of vanillin oak and spiced poached pear, grilled hazelnuts, crème fraîche and a whisper of onshore breeze. Everything is in sharp relief, with the purest of fruit. It's all detail and tension, with a textural glaze of grapefruit pith and a sapid, mineral line that builds like a crescendo before releasing, finishing long and true. It's a stunner.\"  Dave Brookes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn barely a decade, Tolpuddle has established itself as one of the country's top producers. It produces wines of blistering precision and finesse which have received rave critical acclaim. They are highly sought-after and are some of the finest examples of chardonnay and pinot noir that can be found anywhere on the Apple Isle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"If ever a new winery was born with blue blood in its veins, Tolpuddle would have to be it.\"  James Halliday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eFine and precise with fresh sugar snap pea and fennel, white nectarine and a hint of struck match. There is tension and length on the palate with classic Tolpuddle Vineyard acidity and fine, chalky texture adding complexity and interest. A lesson in elegance and restraint\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. All fruit was hand-picked, whole bunch pressed, and fermented in French oak. The wine spent ten months in barrel with gentle stirring as required, then rested in tank on lees for a further four months.\"  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTolpuddle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert reviews\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards - 99 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Wow. This sits on the edge of reduction, expressing both power and minerality with aromas of struck match, lemon confit, crushed stones, sweet spices, grapefruit and apple blossoms. The palate is highly strung with striking acidity, balanced by a generous, rounded yet restrained mouthfeel. You could easily be in one of the great Climats of Burgundy. Truly excellent from one of Australia’s most celebrated producers. Drink or hold.\"  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRyan Montgomery, JamesSuckling.com - 98 points and Top 100 Wines of Australia 2025 (#1) and Top 100 Wines of the World 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eOoh-boy the Tolpuddle Chardonnay is in a good place. I guess you could call this vintage a 'classic'. A little more restraint and line than the '23; a little more filigree and nuance, those flinty\/struck-match tones a little further back in the mix and woven through the wine in an intricate pattern. White peach, lemon, grapefruit and nectarine fruits are high fidelity and beautifully poised, suffused with soft spice, clover and grapefruit blossom, crushed stone, cinnamon, a murmur of vanillin oak and spiced poached pear, grilled hazelnuts, crème fraîche and a whisper of onshore breeze. Everything is in sharp relief, with the purest of fruit. It's all detail and tension, with a textural glaze of grapefruit pith and a sapid, mineral line that builds like a crescendo before releasing, finishing long and true. It's a stunner. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrink by 2025.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eDave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion - 98 points and Special Value Wine  \u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"A smattering of quartzite, white apple flesh, and lemon aspen. Chalk dust and fennel seed. Nutmeg grated into white sauce, ground ginger, and the luxuriousness of triple-cream brie. The acidity dances with light, agile feet across the palate, while new oak is so artfully integrated you find yourself searching for the seams it’s been woven into. This is perhaps the most dialled-back expression of oak on the nose - not from lesser use, but from the way it has been entirely absorbed by the fruit and the wine’s palpable energy. Buoyant and spritely, its mealy mid-palate creaminess is swiftly chased by almond skin and a flicker of sea-flake salinity. A triumphant vintage of Chardonnay, and a testament to the vineyard’s impeccable quality - one that many fortunate visitors can now witness firsthand. This is as exciting as the 2023 but in a way that is more classic Chanel than Alexander McQueen. Drink with roast snapper collars and a squeeze of lemon. Drink: 2025-2035.\"\u003cstrong\u003e  Shanteh Wale, Wine Pilot - 98 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eBright light yellow colour with a whiff or reduction early, which cleared a little to reveal acacia honey, lemon essence and hints of snuffed candle. The wine is precise and refined on the tongue, with great intensity of fruit flavour harmoniously intertwined with refreshing acidity, resulting in a seamless whole that glides very long through the aftertaste. Gorgeous chardonnay, and will be long lived.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrink 2025-2039.\"  \u003cstrong\u003eHuon Hooke, The Real Review - 97 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Pale colour. Beautiful pure grapefruit, verbena, grilled nut aromas with honey\/ marzipan, touch lanolin notes. Pure supple and minerally with fresh grapefruit, lemon curd, marzipan flavors, slippery\/ saline notes on the mid-palate and high-pitched crisp acidity. Al dente finish with superb mineral length. Very good volume and richness of flavour while possessing tension and vigour. Should age beautifully well if one dares\u003cbr\u003eto wait.\"\u003cstrong\u003e  Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal - 96 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Flint, the main thing here. A struck match and steely mineral combo from first whiff through to last, cool and crisp finish. Smoky, stony things throughout the wine, a cool, bright flavour profile too, quite delicate, lemon-lime, Japanese pickled ginger, tart, green apple juice and some faint, cedar and a cooling tonic water edge to the wine. Crystalline texture, glassy and bright, a crunch to texture too that feels pleasing. It has all the right moves for a wine detailed by edifice of flint and winemaking approach. It should win a lot of friends in this en vogue style, done well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Drink: 2025-2035.\"\u003cstrong\u003e  Mike Bennie, The Wine Front – 95 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAwards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJames Suckling Australian Wine of the Year 2025\u003cbr\u003eJames Suckling Top 100 Wines of the World 2025\u003cbr\u003eTrophy, Best Young White - 2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards\u003cbr\u003eTrophy, Best Single Vineyard Wine - 2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards\u003cbr\u003eTrophy, Best Chardonnay - 2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards\u003cbr\u003eTrophy, Best Tasmanian Chardonnay - 2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards\u003cbr\u003eSpecial Value Wine – Halliday Wine Companion  \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #f9e00c;\"\u003e★ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGold Medal \u0026amp; 99 points - 2025 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the winery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Tolpuddle_1024x1024.png?v=1667374621\" alt=\"Tolpuddle vineyard\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTolpuddle Vineyard was established in 1988\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eby Bill Casimaty, Gary Crittenden and Tony Jordan \u003c\/span\u003eand it took its name from the Tolpuddle Martyrs: English convicts transported to Tasmania for forming an agricultural union. The leader of the Martyrs, George Loveless, served some of his sentence working on a property near Richmond, part of which is now Tolpuddle Vineyard. The vineyard is planted with mature Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines, facing north-east, and sloping gently up from Back Tea Tree Road. The soil is light silica over sandstone and of moderate vigour, ensuring well-balanced vines producing grapes of great flavour and intensity. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW (Shaw \u0026amp; Smith) purchased the vineyard in 2011\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eafter a look-and-see jaunt to Tasmania when they became smitten by Tolpuddle's Coal Valley location and mature vines, planted only to pinot noir and chardonnay. They a\u003c\/span\u003ere fully committed to seeing Tolpuddle Vineyard recognised as one of Australia's great single vineyards. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn barely a decade, Tolpuddle has established itself as one of the country's top producers. It produces wines of blistering precision and finesse which have received rave critical acclaim. They are highly sought-after and are some of the finest examples of chardonnay and pinot noir that can be found anywhere on the Apple Isle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canterbury Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47601367613681,"sku":null,"price":210.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/3098\/1873\/files\/Tolpuddle-Vineyard-Chardonnay-2024_2f60af76-bf72-4f83-93d6-e8a243f9fe13.jpg?v=1768958871"}],"url":"https:\/\/canterburywines.au\/collections\/corporate-white-wine-gifts.oembed","provider":"Canterbury Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}