2023 Adobe Reserva Chardonnay
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Unoaked, sunkissed Chardonnay made from organically grown grapes.
Colour
A clear, bright pale yellow incolour.
Nose
Refreshing citrus aromas of grapefruit and lime that intermingle with subtle tropical fruit aromas, especially pineapple, and a touch of herbs.
Palate
On the palate, it is a balanced, fresh and fruity wine, with velvety texture and a persistent, enjoyable finish.
Production
Casablanca Valley can be identified by its closeness to the Pacific Ocean, influenced by the coastal breeze, which moderates temperatures. The land is basically formed by hills that increase in height as it goes east towards the Coastal Mountain Range. It has an alluvial origin, with sandy textures of high permeability, poor and shallow, which causes the valley to have low yields, compared to others. The temperatures are colder and templates, causing a slower ripening in the fruit and, in consequence, great character in flavour and aroma, for white varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
The grapes come from vineyards that are approximately 12 years old in the Casablanca estate, trellised in simple vertical shoot position, with an average yield of 12 tons/ha. They were hand-picked into bins during the first week of March when they had reached the ideal state of ripeness. The grapes were transported to our Nancagua winery for vinification in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures with selected yeasts, pumpovers, and delicate lees stirring to reach the desired final result. Prior to bottling the wine was fined with adjusted doses of bentonite and cold stabilized to prevent tartaric precipitations in the bottle.
Producers
Voted by Wines of Chile as "Winery of the Year 2016", Emiliana is one of Chile's most exciting producers and pioneers in organic and biodynamic winemaking. Since 1998, this Chilean winery has been producing award-winning wines from almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards in prime sites including Casablanca, Maipo, Cachapoal, Colchagua and Bio Bio.
Its spectacular biodynamic vineyard and winery at Los Robles is a model that attracts visiting viticulturalists and winemakers from across the world. Emiliana's innovative and natural-leaning wines are made with great care and attention and the results are inspiring.
Sustainable
Emiliana began its conversion to organic production in 1998, and today 100% of its properties are organically managed. It is the world’s largest organic winery. It holds organic certifications in accordance with the standards of the United States, Canada (NOP), Brazil, Chile, Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe. In 2006, Emiliana was the first winery in Latin America to produce a wine with biodynamic certification. Since then, the use of biodynamic practices at its farms and cellars has been accredited and today 100% of its properties are certified. Emiliana received its Fairtrade and Fair For Life certifications in 2011 and 2017 and has been selling fair trade wines since 2012.
Emiliana was a pioneer in the implementation of the Wine of Chile Sustainability Code certification in 2012. This standard was developed for the Chilean wine sector to support the implementation of sustainable practices at a national level, as well as social and environmental responsibility at Emiliana.
Emiliana is certified to use the Vegan Society trademark, which attests that its wines are produced without any animal-derived products.
Emiliana also produces an annual sustainability report.
Awards
- Bronze - Decanter World Wine Awards 2019 (2018 vintage)
- Bronze - Sommelier Wine Awards 2019 (2016 vintage)
- Bronze - IWC 2017 (2016 vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal for serving with fish and shellfish, cooked with creamy sauces or butter. Also it is perfect accompanying pasta with seafood sauces and as aperitif, served with different cheese and dried fruits. |
Origin | Casablanca Valley |
Appellation | D.O. Valle De Casablanca |
2023 Soldier’s Block Chardonnay
Regular price £9.25 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
This vibrant Chardonnay exhibits lifted fruit character, bright tangerine fleshiness, textural mouthfeel, a bright palate and a long and foodie finish. The judicious blend of oaked Chardonnay adds palate weight and texture without overwhelming the fruit.
Production
Long-standing working relationships with some key growers enable us to source premium fruit, with the ultimate aim of making excellent quality Australian house wines with true style and character. Grapes are picked earlier than usual to ensure balance and freshness in the final wine. Harvesting took place in the early dawn hours when it’s still cool and calm which helps retain the rich characters within these grapes. Once in the cellar, they are gently crushed to maintain the bright, fresh flavours crucial to the clonal tang. Around 15% of the grapes are sourced from the cooler, sea breeze-influenced Langhorne Creek area. This portion is barrel-aged in French medium toast casks to obtain a more complex, textural and weighty style of wine. It is then added to the greater part of the blend which is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel to retain the fresh fruit characters.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Soldiers block is a new (affordable) range to us – and the Chardonnay certainly under promises and over-delivers. I say underpromises as the label is pretty underwhelming and gives nothing away about the beauty of the wine within.
This is made from rich, ripe fruit from Victoria with a percentage matured in French oak which gives a creamy, more textural mouthful. Add to that incredible balance and juicy acidity and you have an overall great wine – a real crowd pleaser and one of our most popular whites which tells me our customers have great palates!" Jan 2022
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
12,5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Full-flavoured fish such as trout or halibut or chicken in a light creamy sauce. |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Origin | Victoria |
Appellation | South Australia |
2018 Edi Simčič Chardonnay
Regular price £23.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This sublime Chardonnay shows off the full potential of this top-rated Slovenian wine region with richness and complexity perfectly balanced by freshness and elegance.
Tasting Notes
There are enticing hints of caramel, tropical fruit, woodsmoke and vanilla while the first sip reveals a full body and bright fruit flavours held in check by a vibrant acidity. The well-defined structure makes this a good contender for additional cellaring.
The fruit is sourced from the estate’s top vines and the young wine ages in small oak barrels for 10 months to add body and intensity to the overall flavour profile.
Information about Edi Simčič
Three generations are still at work here, passing knowledge and experience from father to son every day. Edi himself is still very much a key character at the centre of the business, with his son Aleks working alongside him and taking the winery into a new era, while Aleks’ two sons learn their trade to take up the family mantle one day. Historically, Slovenia has experienced more than its fair share of hardships, re-shaping the lives of the whole population. In the case of Goriška Brda, the whole region was under fascist rule by Mussolini’s Italy up until the end of World War II, after which it passed into Communist rule as part of the reestablished Yugoslavia.
Like many other regions in the area, Goriška Brda’s whole agricultural industry suffered greatly under Communist rule, as all growers were expected to surrender a large portion of their grapes to the government, thus leaving growers with no resources to even consider quality growing and winemaking.
Upon independence and the formation of the Repubic of Slovenia in 1991, the family spared little time in pursuing their true calling as one of the leading winemakers of the country. Today their reputation is well-established, very deservedly so. Everything about Edi himself exudes gentleness, and this certainly comes across in the wines, thanks to patient growing, gentle handling in the cellar and utter perfectionism when it comes to ageing. Down in the cool cellars, none of the wines are rushed to be ready, and a masterful use of oak results in complex and slightly (but very attractively) oxidative wines.
Within Edi’s wheelhouse is a delicious Chardonnay, a wine he considers to be the first step everyone must take to fully understand his approach, after which comes the Sivi Pinot, the local name and style of Pinot Gris. The defining grape and wine of this project and indeed region is the indigenous Rebula, the true jewel in the Edi Simčič crown. Finally the range is rounded off with a red called Duet, a harmonious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These wines are very special, and Edi and family have worked tirelessly to show the world what their region and country is capable of. This is Slovenia.
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Chardonnay |
Country | Slovenia |
Alcohol content | 14.5% Alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring | Drink now through to 2028. |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Food Matches | It pairs brilliantly with strongly-flavoured dishes like grilled octopus and chicken served in a rich creamy sauce. |
Origin | Goriška Brda |
2022 Domaine de la Motte Chablis
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A classic Chablis from vines grown on the famous Kimmeridgian clay, and from the2013 IWSC French Wine Producer of the Year.
Tasting Notes
From a warmer vintage, this shows riper yet still mineral fruit with added depth from a small (around 10%) addition of oak-aged wine into the blend. This is very typical of the Motte style and gives richness and balance to the wine. A deliciously precise expression of classic chalky Chablis terroir.
Production Method
Grapes are machine harvested to preserve the freshness and purity of flavour. Pneumatic pressing immediately after harvest is then followed by a gravity settling period of 24 hours in stainless steel vats. Fermentation takes place in thermo-regulating stainless steel tanks for approximately 15 days at 21 degrees Celcius. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation in stainless for approximately 5 weeks at 20 degrees. Following this, the wine is racked between December to January, and it is fined between February and March. Cold stabilization at -3 degrees for 5 days before filtration and finally bottling.
Producer
Domaine de la Motte is a 25-hectare, family-run winery handed down from father to son since 1950. Now under the stewardship of Bernard Michaut, an ex-chef, who works with his son Adrien. Their winemaking is meticulous and the wines are benchmarks for the region. They are fastidious about producing concentrated, mineral and very precise wines that reflect the particular terroirs of Chablis, with vines on both Portlandian and Kimmeridgian soils. Motte's wines are regularly chosen for the Tastevinage label, a rigorous selection by the Confrérie des Chevaliers de Tastevin of wines they regard as offering the best of the region in terms of quality and style.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Chicken with a creamy sauce, Thai dishes, or fish with salad greens. |
Origin | Chablis, Burgundy |
Appellation | Chablis |
2022 Domaine de la Motte Chablis Premier Cru Vau-Ligneau
Regular price £24.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
The bolder Michaut style deftly added to the more restrained style of Vau-Lignau to create a textural, elegant white.
Nose
Lightly toasted buttery oak on the nose.
Palate
The palate is complex and mineral yet ripe with plenty of fresh Chablis acidity. A wine which merits its Tastevinage award will be long-lived; expect at least five years' drinking.
Production Method
The lieu-dit of Vau-Ligneau (meaning little valley) is one of Chablis' more recent promotees to Premier Crus status, elevated for consistently producing superior quality wines. Chardonnay grapes are grown on 40-year-old vines in Kimmeridgian soil with a south-easterly exposure (giving a more mineral style than the Premier Cru Beauroy which comes from south / south-westerly vineyards). A deep layer of white clay gives the wine length, finesse and elegance. 20% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels (228l & 600l), the rest in stainless steel. The oaked proportion remains in barrel for 11 months.
Producer
Domaine de la Motte is a 25 hectare, family-run winery handed down from father to son since 1950. Now under the stewardship of Bernard Michaut, an ex-chef, who works with his son Adrien. Their winemaking is meticulous and the wines are benchmarks for the region. They are fastidious about producing concentrated, mineral and very precise wines which reflect the particular terroirs of Chablis, with vines on both Portlandian and Kimmeridgian soils. Motte's wines are regularly chosen for the Tastevinage label, a rigorous selection by the Confrérie des Chevaliers de Tastevin of wines they regard as offering the best of the region in terms of quality and style.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | At least 5 years |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Awaiting info |
Food Matches | Richer style of fish dishes, shellfish, chicken and creamy sauce. |
Origin | Burgundy |
Appellation | Chablis |
2022 Borsao Chardonnay Macabeo Seleccion
Regular price £9.45 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Stone fruit and limey citrus aromas; with nectarine, subtle pineapple characters and a creamy mouthfeel. Gentle and well-integrated oak.
Production
Selected grapes from vines grown on stony, sandy soils, at an altitude of 500 metres. Hand harvested mid–end September. Temperature-controlled fermentation of between 14º-18º C in stainless steel, then matured in French oak bordelaise barrels for three months.
History
The winery was established as a co-operative in 1959. In 2001 it joined with two other progressive, co-operative, cellars in the Campo de Borja region to become the Bodegas Borsao that we know today.
Grapes are sourced from over 375 member growers covering 2,400 hectares - nearly a third of the region's total. Vineyards lie in the undulating foothills of the Moncayo mountain, ranging from around 350m to 800m above sea level. At lower altitudes vines are younger and may require some irrigation, but higher up the slopes the vines are older, unirrigated bush vines.
The climate is rather severe and arid, with hot dry days, and cool nights - which allow optimium acidity levels to be maintained within the grapes. Garnacha thrives in these conditions and represents 65% of total production. The Cierzo wind from the Moncayo sweeps across the foothills of the mountain. This cold, dry wind reduces humidity levels and allows grapes to be picked a couple of weeks later in the harvest, at full maturity.
Borsao has access to a large number of vineyard plots at different altitudes, and hence to a wide selection of fantastic quality grapes. They are recognised for their entry-level varietals - as outstanding examples of easy-to-drink inexpensive wines - as they are for their premium wines, in particular the iconic, multi-award-winning Tres Picos.
Sustainability
With 2,400 hectares of vineyards, Bodegas Borsao is a substantially sized operation in a warm, dry region and as a result the availability and usage of water is a major issue. All new plantings have reverted to the traditional style of bush training to preserve water. Inter-row plantings are used to improve the water-holding capacity of the soil and protect it from erosion. These cover crops mean that less spraying and tending of the vines is required, thus fewer passes are made by tractors which reduces the compaction of the soil and the consumption of diesel. Pheromone treatments are also employed to sexually confuse predatory insects, reducing their populations significantly.
These cover crops mean that less spraying and tending of the vines is required, thus fewer passes are made by tractors which reduces the compaction of the soil and the consumption of diesel. Pheromone treatments are also employed to sexually confuse predatory insects, reducing their populations significantly.
Awards
- 2017 Vintage - Bronze at the 2019 Sommelier Wine Awards
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 50% Macabeo & 50% Chardonnay |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Food Matches | Perfect with creamy chicken and tarragon, or chicken and leek pie. |
Allergy Information | Contains Sulphites |
Appellation | DO Campo de Borja |
2020 Hartenberg Chardonnay
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
White pear, tropical fruits, vanilla and roasted almonds on the bouquet, marries flawlessly to a rich, melded palate.
Palate
The subtle, integrated oak aromas contribute to a long, creamy finish, underpinned by a rapier-like fresh acidity.
"Seamlessly merges tangerine vibrancy with vanilla cream from barrel ferment. Textured and rich yet lean and focused throughout. A peaches and cream delight with a dry finish" - John Platter 2014
Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
History
The first settlers to cultivate the virgin land of the estate now known as Hartenberg were friends Cunraad Boin and Christoffel Esterhuizzen who were granted permission to work 60 morgen (20 ha) of the land in 1692. In 1704, Christoffel Esterhuizzen was granted the title deed to "Het Hartenberg" by Governer (Willem Adriaan van der Stel) and by 1718, he had 10 000 vines on his property.
The well-known elephant hunter, Paulus Keyser, bought Hartenberg in 1721 and continued the practice of vineyard cultivation and winemaking on the farm until he sold it to Jacob van Bochen in 1725. Van Bochen, a former accountant of the Dutch East India Company butchery and holder of the liquor retail monopoly, also bought Weltevrede adjoining Hartenberg.
For about one hundred years after van Bochen, the farm passed through the hands of various owners. Some with colourful names like Arrie Lekkerwyn (delicious wine), and Aaron van Ceylon (a freed slave) and in 1838 it became the property of the brothers Jacobus and Johannes Bosman.
An important period in the farm's development was ushered in by the Hampf family when they bought Hartenberg in 1928. Mrs Hampf extended the vineyards and planted the many beautiful trees still to be seen around the farm and cellar, while her husband became the first officially recorded winemaker on the estate.
In 1948, Hartenberg was bought by the late Dr Maurice Finlayson (a well-known Cape Town pathologist) and his wife, Eleanor. Discovering the true potential of the estate, they soon began marketing their wines under the label "Montagne". Besides good wine, the Finlaysons also produced two sons, Peter and Walter, who were to become renowned South African winemakers. Uncompromising and sophisticated, Eleanor Finlayson's presence is still felt on Hartenberg today.
Gilbeys were the next owners of the estate, purchasing it from the Finlaysons in 1977. They eventually released the present Hartenberg range as their flagship brand in 1985. On 1 January 1987, Ken Mackenzie, purchased Hartenberg, having seen the potential that the perennial under-achiever offered.
His daughters continue a program of investment in the farm, focusing on three key areas: the replanting to specific sites of premium varietals, the development of production facilities, and upliftment, through knowledge and skills for employees.
The Mackenzie vision, though extremely ambitious, remains simple: to do whatever it takes to produce wines of outstanding quality.
Accolades
-
2017 Vintage 93 points Tim Atkin MW
-
2016 Vintage 93 points Tim Atkin MW; 91 Points Neal Martin (Vinous), 90 points James Suckling Report; 4 stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
- 2015 Vintage Tim Atkin 92 points
- 2015 93 points Prescient Chardonnay Awards, 92 points Tim Atkin, 91 points Robert Parker, 4 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2014 Veritas Silver 2015, 90 points Tim Atkin
- 2013 92 points Tim Atkin, 92 points Christian Eedes Chardonnay Report 2015, Veritas Gold (2014), 4 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2011 4 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide
- 2010 4 stars Platter's SA Wine Guide, Top 10 Christiaan Eedes, 90 points Robert Parker
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 5 years from vintage |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Cream based foods, smoked chicken or duck, seared tuna with olive oil, lime juice and black pepper.
|
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2021 Dry River Chardonnay (187ml Single Serve)
Regular price £2.50 Sale price £1.75 Save 30%The rivers of Australia help to irrigate the vineyards. Although water is important; the drier the river the better the concentration of flavours in our wines. We are working in close partnership with a family-owned winery, which prides themselves on producing consistent and good quality wines. After harvest, our wine buyer traveled to Australia to specially select these wines for this range.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light straw in colour
Nose
Dry River Chardonnay displays an enticing nose of peach, citrus and lemon aromas.
Palate
The tropical fruit flavours and luscious mouth feel mid-palate complement each other to deliver a deliciously rounded wine with a crisp and clean finish, balanced nicely by acidity.
Oak Treatment - Aged with French and American Oak Chips
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml & 187ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Serve lightly chilled, it is an ideal accompaniment to smoked salmon or trout. |
Origin | Southern Australia |
2023 Bellefontaine Chardonnay
Regular price £8.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Languedoc, this unoaked Chardonnay is light on its feet yet packed with a zesty citrus twist.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Very pure and bright, with an attractive nose of white flowers, warm hay and ripe lemon aromas.
Palate
Zesty acidity is nicely complemented by the richness and peach notes on the palate with a hint of pear.
Producer
Like all good stories, that of Boutinot France is both long and a little bit complicated! Boutinot began as a tiny importer in 1980, specialising in French wines. Paul Boutinot himself began by personally selecting the wines from France, back in the UK he would unload the trailer by hand. And deliver the crates of wines to customers himself. But good things grow and by the end of the decade,they had become a bigger and better company. A company that not only sought out great wines but made them too. After 10 years later, Boutinot France started in January 1990. The first office was in the middle of the vines in Julienas; perfectly located to navigate the Beaujolais and Macon regions on the quest to make beautiful wines.
Samantha Bailey, who started as a wine enthusiast, was there at the beginning of this adventure. Since then, she has grown into our Master Blender and has key responsibilities: building long-standing relationships, tasting, understanding the terroir and appellations, and pushing the boundaries. She is at the heart of the whole process from blending to quality assessment, making sure there is always a Boutinot touch in every cuvée.
They are proud to also count Guillaume Letang and Julien Dugas in their winemaking team. Guillaume oversees the South of France and Languedoc, whilst Julien looks after the property in Cairanne. Together they have the local knowledge to select and blend the very best wines from throughout. Eric Monnin oversees every aspect of production and makes sure everything the winemakers blend and source is top quality.
Production
The Bellefontaine range has established an international reputation for consistent quality and value. Every year Boutinot winemakers select only quality parcels of wine from different estates and producers, each contributing key components to the finished blend. Bellefontaine wines possess fine aromatics, pure fruit expression, fresh acidity, varietal character and above all a persistent finish. The goal is to create a range of wines of consistent quality that are delicious to drink on their own but that also complement food well. They've blended Chardonnay from Gascony for purity and freshness with Chardonnay from Pays d'Oc for varietal character and texture. By blending these two, they've taken the best from each region to create a harmonious, unoaked Chardonnay.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Features |
|
Food Matches | Classically served with fish or salad, and would be lovely with fresh bread and cheese for an impromptu lunchtime picnic. |
Origin | Vin de France |
Appellation | Vin de France |
2022 Smalltown Vineyards 'The Next Big Thing' Chardonnay
Regular price £12.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%
Tasting Notes
With the faintest whiff of biscuity oak this bright, tangy Barossa Chardonnay is an absolute delight. It has that classical Barossa charm, elegance, poise, tang and naggingly more-ish elusive something-or-other which makes one wonder why there isn't more Australian Chardonnay.
Production
Grapes are hand-harvested from an old block on the Binder family Barossa vineyards. Small batches of Chardonnay are picked and pressed through a tank press with some skin contact. 25% is fermented in French puncheons and American hogsheads for 6 months, aged on lees then blended with the 75% unoaked juice, settled, and bottled. Into the main Barossa blend, a small component of Eden Valley Chardonnay is blended and the whole sees a tiny bit of secondary use oak for some fine structure.
Producer
Smalltown Vineyards express many of the Barossa’s prized districts form Gomersal, Kalimna as well as the Eden Valley and beyond. We work with exceptional vineyards simply expressed using minimal intervention, basket press where relevant, natural ferments in open-top fermenters to best capture the Barossa’s magical flavours. We have a lot of fun with labels because, well because we can. It’s only wine after all…
A note about Sustainability
As of the 1st July, 2019, Australia changed from its previous sustainable programme called EntWine to Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. Smalltown Vineyards is a participant in this programme, which assists with tools and resources to enhance business sustainability, meeting customer sustainability requirements and sustainability claims made by participants.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Anything with chicken, pork, prawns, seafood... Brilliant as a quaffer or perfect with a lovingly cooked meal. |
Origin | South Australia |
Appellation | Barossa Valley |
2020 Black Stallion Chardonnay
Regular price £32.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Twelve years after arriving in America, in 1924, Gaspare Indelicato planted a vineyard in Manteca, California. With it, he planted the foundation of his eventual success in the California wine trade. Since that first vineyard flourished, Gaspare’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have honored his legacy through dedication to his steadfast values of family, hard work and integrity.
Tasting Notes
Black Stallion Estate Winery Chardonnay opens with aromas of yellow pear, crème brûlée and hints of pineapple and oak. The flavors are tantalizing notes of citrus, orange blossom and dried apricot. The Chardonnay from Los Carneros provides the bright acidity, citrus notes, and lean backbone of the wine, and the Chardonnay from the warmer growing regions contributes riper fuller-bodied character. Vanilla aromatics from oak and floral perfume from the fruit precede ripe fruit flavors balanced with bright acidity and a rich mid-palate weight creating a multi-layered, complex wine with a lingering finish.
Producer
More than a century ago, Gaspare and Caterina Indelicato immigrated from Sicily to the United States. With little to draw on but a long family history of grape growing and an entrepreneur's gift for seizing opportunity, Gaspare entered the wine trade by planting a single vineyard in Manteca, California, where the climate reminded the couple of their homeland.
Occupying a privileged position at the southern foot of the trail, the winery grounds eventually became the site of the Silverado Western Center, a major equestrian center that opened in September 1963.
The original riding area now houses prized wines, instead of prize-winning horses. However, Black Stallion Estate Winery carries its heritage forward. The estate’s legacy honors the world-class terroir of Napa Valley, the pioneering spirit of the Silverado Trail, and the Indelicato family’s warm hospitality and generations of wine expertise.
Winemaking Philosophy
To make great wine, a winemaker must have a deep familiarity with each lot of freshly pressed juice. At Black Stallion, the search for greatness means boots in the vineyard, checking on vine growth and grape development all year long. It means tasting grapes rather than looking at lab reports to determine the perfect moment to pick. It means harvesting and sorting fruit by hand. Black Stallion Winery’s small scale means that each lot of grapes that arrive at harvest is treated individually, and receives a unique upbringing to bring out its full potential for excellence.
Once crushed at the winery, micro-lots may be fermented in small tanks made of wood, concrete or steel. These choices of aging vessel give winemaker Ralf Holdenried exceptional flexibility to match a batch of grapes with the material best suited to bring out its greatness—key in a region as diverse as Napa Valley.
After fermentation, wine is drained using gravity (not pumps) and aged in the finest oak barrels. The gentle handling of the wine prevents the extraction of harsh components that could impart bitterness.
There’s no set recipe for a Black Stallion blend, just the finely honed palates of winemaker Ralf Holdenried and his team. It’s not uncommon for Holdenried to try dozens of trial blends before deciding on a final cuvée. The goal is always the same: To create a seamless, harmonious wine that captures the varietal’s best expression of that vintage in Napa Valley.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | USA |
Alcohol content | 14.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Origin | California |
Appellation | Napa Valley |
2021 Ventisquero 'Grey Glacier' Chardonnay
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Head Winemaker Felipe Tosso joined Vina Ventisquero in 2000. After seriously considering alternate careers as a tennis pro and classical guitarist, he elected to enter the wine business, describing it as “one of my big passions because it’s more than work – it’s a lifestyle.”
Tasting Notes
Complex and elegant, blend aromas of ripe tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango and papaya with soft mineral and citrus notes. The barrel brings soft notes of vanilla and nuts. Of good structure, it maintains the freshness from a crisp acidity giving a wide end of good persistence. In the aftertaste, you will feel the nuts and vanilla again.
Vinification
Initially, a cold maceration was carried out for a period between 12 to 14 hours. Throughout the process the wort was protected from contact with air. The fermentation was carried out slowly, maintaining a Constant control at low temperature between 13 and 16°C, which allowed to obtain a large number of aromas typical of the variety.
80% of the wine was fermented in French barrels with 10% new cask. The remaining 20% of the wine was fermented in stainless steel barrels to maintain a fruity component in the blend. Once the fermentation was finished, it was allowed to stand for 12 months on its lees, making smooth movements (bâtonnage) to maximize the contact and supply of fine lees to the wine and in this way increase the aromatic complexity.
Tosso’s winemaking travels have taken him to Napa, Sonoma, Argentina, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, back to Concha Y Toro in Chile and then finally to Vina Ventisquero. In 2003, Felipe began a close collaboration with John Duval (ex-Penfolds Winemaker) in the production of icon wines Pangea and Vertice, a partnership that continues to this day.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"A masterpiece this one ☝️ tropical fruits abound with a touch of citric lime acidity keeping it linear and balanced. Complex, long and with perfect balance! Love it! Bit of a nutty, toasty aftertaste as well - probably from some new oak. Would love to taste this alongside some ‘named’ white burgundies - suggest it might wipe the floor with them?!" June 2022
"Still love it - colour a bit darker in the glass - but it’s still fresh as a daisy, with great balance and length. Fruit is a bit more developed on the palate but it’s still got a lot of life left in it yet. At £16.99 it really is an excellent option vs French Chardonnay at 2 or 3 times the price from Burgundy." 21 Dec 2023
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | This wine pairs well with oily fish, pasta, cheese and white meat. |
Appellation |
Casablanca Valley
|
2022 Domaine G. Saumaize Pouilly Fuissé Grande Réserve Maillettes
Regular price £29.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Fine, full-bodied white Burgundy.
Tasting Notes
Expressive, almost exotic aromas and flavours with a lovely touch of oak that adds a slightly nutty character to the lush, ripe Chardonnay fruit. Rich but restrained, there is a real finesse and elegant balance to this very classy white Burgundy.
Production
Grapes are grown on the limestone and clay soils of Solutré and Vergisson. Fermented in barriques, this wine then spent 12 months in a mixture of new and older French oak.
Producer
The 14.5 hectare Domaine G. Saumaize (formerly Domaine des Maillettes) is now wholly run by Guillaume Saumaize, follwing the recent retirement of his mother, Annie. Tending to more than forty parcels of vines (up to 80 years old) spread across four Mâconnais communes (Vergisson, Davayé, Solutré and Prissé), he produces Pouilly-Fuissé and a range of other Mâcon AOC wines.
In 2018, the Saumaize family invested in a new barrel cellar, giving them much more flexibility to vinify individual parcels of grapes separately and thus express their terroir even more clearly. The Chardonnays are classically styled, with part or full vinification in oak for richness and complexity.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content |
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites & no other allergens |
Serving Suggestion | Serve between 10°C and 12°C |
Food Matches | A versatile white that will drink beautifully with poultry, fish and hearty salads. |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Appellation | Mâconnais |
Origin | Burgundy |
2022 Les Oliviers Chardonnay
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A zesty, great value Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes
Smooth and refined with an underlying twist of freshness and supple, soft, ripe, fruit flavours on the palate, finishing with a squeeze of pithy citrus and candied pineapple.
Production
In the south-west of France, Gascony has emerged as a specialist producer of fresh white wines which offer finesse and charm. A mixture of silt, sand and alluvial deposits help the soil to drain - ideal conditions for a healthy crop.
Producer
Like all good stories, that of Boutinot France is both long and a little bit complicated! Boutinot began as a tiny importer in 1980, specialising in French wines. Paul Boutinot himself began by personally selecting the wines from France, back in the UK he would unload the trailer by hand. And deliver the crates of wines to customers himself. But good things grow and by the end of the decade we had become a bigger and better company. A company that not only sought out great wines but made them too. After 10 years later, Boutinot France started in January 1990. The first office was in the middle of the vines in Julienas; perfectly located to navigate the Beaujolais and Macon regions on the quest to make beautiful wines.
Samantha Bailey, who started as a wine enthusiast, was there at the beginning of this adventure. Since then, she has grown into our Master Blender and has key responsibilities: building long-standing relationships, tasting, understanding the terroir and appellations, and pushing the boundaries. She is at the heart of the whole process from blending to quality assessment, making sure there is always a Boutinot touch in every cuvée. We are proud to also count Guillaume Letang and Julien Dugas in our winemaking team. Guillaume oversees the South of France and Languedoc, whilst Julien looks after our property in Cairanne. Together they have the local knowledge to select and blend the very best wines from throughout. Eric Monnin oversees every aspect of production and makes sure everything our winemakers blend and source is top quality.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 1-2 years |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Best served chilled. Fantastic both with and without food - try it with creamy pasta verde! |
Origin |
Gascogne
|
Appellation | Cotes de Gascogne |
2019 Hartenberg The Eleanor Chardonnay
Regular price £28.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%95 points Tim Atkin
‘Year after year, this is among South Africa's best Chardonnays, a single clone (CY95) white that combines structure, intensity, concentration and precision. Finely oaked in 40% new wood, it has notes of lemon butter and cashew, lots of texture and a taut, stony finish. 2022-26’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 95/100
Only 16 barrels of The Eleanor Chardonnay 2019 were produced and the wine has just been released.
Tasting Notes
Hartenberg`s self-styled `super premium` Chardonnay earns its title. this wine combines creamy and nutty fruit with refreshing acidity, a sleek minerality and sharp citrus fruit. It spends a whole year in all-new French oak and on the palate, you can tell – rich body, warm vanilla and an enduring round finish.
Nose
An expressive bouquet with lime zest and stone fruit at its core. Elegantly integrated oak shows notes of butterscotch opening up to a roasted nut aroma and a clean, chalky minerality.
Palate
An initial bright acidity on the palate balances the rich and creamy texture of the wine with the peach and lime note following through to a lingering, toasty finish.
Estate
On the slopes of Bottelary Hills bordering Stellenbosch, is a family estate where nature provides the perfect backdrop to grow, produce and share award-winning wines. Summer at Hartenberg brings picnics on the lawns followed by buoyant games of boule. Winter invites you to intimate fireside lunches and sumptuous reds, smoky charcuterie and olives, and sensorial cellar tours. Our Wetland Conservation Area, alongside the vineyards, makes for a beautiful setting for walks and shared family fun.
We are passionate about preserving our natural wealth as evidenced by our sustainable farming practices and conservation programs. We are proud members of Biodiversity and Wine (BWI) and Integrated Production of Wine (IPW), and the estate is home to plentiful wildlife and over 120 species of birds – inspiring us to combine the best of nature with fine wine. Our stated intention is for a pristine environment where nature thrives.
History
The first settlers to cultivate the virgin land of the estate now known as Hartenberg were friends Cunraad Boin and Christoffel Esterhuizzen who were granted permission to work 60 morgen (20 ha) of the land in 1692. In 1704, Christoffel Esterhuizzen was granted the title deed to "Het Hartenberg" by Governer (Willem Adriaan van der Stel) and by 1718, he had 10 000 vines on his property.
The well-known elephant hunter, Paulus Keyser, bought Hartenberg in 1721 and continued the practice of vineyard cultivation and winemaking on the farm until he sold it to Jacob van Bochen in 1725. Van Bochen, a former accountant of the Dutch East India Company butchery and holder of the liquor retail monopoly, also bought Weltevrede adjoining Hartenberg.
For about one hundred years after van Bochen, the farm passed through the hands of various owners. Some with colourful names like Arrie Lekkerwyn (delicious wine), and Aaron van Ceylon (a freed slave) and in 1838 it became the property of the brothers Jacobus and Johannes Bosman.
An important period in the farm's development was ushered in by the Hampf family when they bought Hartenberg in 1928. Mrs Hampf extended the vineyards and planted the many beautiful trees still to be seen around the farm and cellar, while her husband became the first officially recorded winemaker on the estate.
In 1948, Hartenberg was bought by the late Dr Maurice Finlayson (a well-known Cape Town pathologist) and his wife, Eleanor. Discovering the true potential of the estate, they soon began marketing their wines under the label "Montagne". Besides good wine, the Finlaysons also produced two sons, Peter and Walter, who were to become renowned South African winemakers. Uncompromising and sophisticated, Eleanor Finlayson's presence is still felt on Hartenberg today.
Gilbeys were the next owners of the estate, purchasing it from the Finlaysons in 1977. They eventually released the present Hartenberg range as their flagship brand in 1985. On 1 January 1987, Ken Mackenzie, purchased Hartenberg, having seen the potential that the perennial under-achiever offered.
His daughters continue a program of investment in the farm, focusing on three key areas: the replanting to specific sites of premium varietals, the development of production facilities, and upliftment, through knowledge and skills for employees.
The Mackenzie vision, though extremely ambitious, remains simple: to do whatever it takes to produce wines of outstanding quality.
Accolades
-
Tim Atkin rated The Eleanor 2019 an outstanding 95 points and offers the following tasting note:
“Year after year, this is among South Africa’s best Chardonnays, a single clone (CY95) white that combines structure, intensity, concentration and precision. Finely oaked in 40% new wood, it has notes of lemon butter and cashew, lots of texture and a taut, stony finish.”
Alan's Tasting Notes
"A stunning South African - peachy fruits punctuated by zingy lime zest intermingled with creamy butterscotch and a long lingering toasty finish from 12 months in new French oak - an absolute stunner that is made in limited quantities - who needs premium white burgundy which is unavailable when South Africa can produce sublime substitutes like this - pricey but solid good value well worth every penny!" September 2022
Accolade
- 95 points Tim Atkin (2019 vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Up to 5 years from vintage |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | The Eleanor Chardonnay is the perfect wine to enjoy with food or on its own. |
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Stellenbosch |
2022 Oldenburg Chardonnay
Regular price £30.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Resounding proof that you don’t need to shell out a fortune on Burgundy. A beautiful wine that will continue to age spectacularly over the next 8 – 12 years.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Opulent nose with vibrant tropical and floral notes. Aromas of loquat, nectarines, apricots, white peaches and a slight touch of lime invite you to take a sip. As it opens up subtle whiffs of toasted almonds and vanilla come through.
Palate
Fruit forward entry with notes of white peach, apricot and lime shining through. Mid-palate has a creamy rich density to it, with a lovely rich buttery texture.
Finish
A lovely refreshing acidity balances out the richness. Lingering aromas of honeycomb, almonds and lemon zest delightfully tickle the palate.
Winery
At Oldenburg Vineyards we believe that great wines can only come from the best quality grapes. Our intervention in the vineyards is minimal to reflect the full potential of our mountain terroir.
Vinification
Grapes for the Chardonnay 2022 were harvested 14 to 22 February 2022 at 22.6° Balling, hand-picked in the cool hours of the morning from cool climate vineyards. Bunches were sorted by hand and whole-bunch pressed in a pneumatic press on a gentle Champagne cycle. The juice was settled overnight and then racked to 228-litre French oak barrels for spontaneous fermentation. The wild yeast fermentation took 2 months to complete. Partial malolactic conversion was done on some of the batches. The wine was matured for 11 months in barrel, gently fined and filtered before bottling.
Vintage Conditions
Stellenbosch, in general, played host to a perfect winter, with steady cold units being accumulated through to the end of August with even rainfall throughout the winter. The good winter cold led to a particularly even bud break. Spring was cool and dry, which favoured the flowering and fruit set for the vintage. Good summer rainfall meant the vigour needed to be kept in check. Despite a relatively hot and dry ripening period, temperatures were kept moderate due to our higher altitude and ultimately led to an exceptionally good harvest with great sugar accumulation.
Accolades
‘A recent bottle of Chardonnay 2022, however, suggested that winemaker Nic van Aarde, who joined in November 2018 having previously worked at Warwick, is settling in just fine. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels of which 29% were new, the nose shows struck-match, citrus, peach, vanilla and spice while the palate has succulent, sweet fruit offset by fresh acidity before a dry finish (alc: 13.56%).’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnaylanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.8 units |
Food matching | Seared trout & oven-roasted baby potatoes, salted with butter and rosemary. |
Cellaring Potential |
A beautiful wine that can be enjoyed now or will continue to age spectacularly over the next 8 – 12 years. |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022 GlenWood Vigneron's Selection Chardonnay
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%GlenWood Estate is in the Robertsvlei Valley, close to Franschhoek in the Western Cape. Their wines are multi-award winning and have become synonymous with incredible quality and diligent winemaking.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw-yellow in the glass
Nose
Subdued nose with vanilla and marmalade.
Palate
They carry on to the palate with citrus peel, almonds and butter. Lengthy and refined with steely minerality on the finish.
Vineyards
Vine age:12 years. A low canopy allowed optimal sunlight penetration. Minimal irrigation was used. The fruit ripened slowly allowing the development of small bunches with highly concentrated flavours.
Vinification
This Chardonnay had its fruit picked and whole-bunch pressed. The juice was left to settle for two days and transferred to barrel, where it fermented for nine days, before ageing for a further nine months on its lees in French oak.
Accolades
-
Platters 2023 | 95pts
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matching |
Creamy chicken pasta with grated lemon zest and parmesan. |
Cellaring Potential | Drink through 2030. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Robertsvlei Valley, Franschhoek |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay
Regular price £21.99 Sale price £17.99 Save 18%This wine showcases the strength of Margaret River for Chardonnay with a restrained, modern, elegantly structured wine from one of the great Margaret River vineyards.
Tasting Notes
Colour
The wine displays fresh green tinges on a pale straw colour.
Nose
The nose exhibits aromas of fresh-cut pear and honeydew melon with some zesty citric notes. There are no overt woody or buttery aromas with the primary fruit characters expressed with clarity and definition.
Palate
The palate is fresh and lively with clean crisp acidity complementing the vibrant fruity flavours. The palate has very good extension and ends clean and bright. This is a restrained style of Australian Chardonnay and highlights how far we have come with this style of wine over the last decade.
Producer
We have worked with Michael Kerrigan for more than 25 years, and we are continually impressed with his talent and capacity for reinvention. Former winemaker at Howard Park and Madfish, Michael struck out on his own when his dream vineyards in the key quality region of Wilyabrup came up for sale. With more than 30 years of winemaking under his belt, and 12 years going solo with Hay Shed Hill, this man is one of the most experienced, respected and revered winemakers in Australia - and rightly so. He is also a strong purveyor of classically blunt Aussie pearls of wisdom: “It’s all in the detail - you quite simply visit the vineyard every day. I’m not interested in being epic, I just want to make wine I like to drink”. He likens Margaret River’s climate to “Bordeaux in a perfect year”, and attributes the region’s success to its maritime climate, meaning a low diurnal range, very important in a country that is known for its extremes in temperature, and pretty much everything else!
Michael produces wines under two labels - the entry-level ‘Pitchfork’ range and the estate, single vineyard ‘Hay Shed Hill’ wines. The Pitchfork range represents unprecedentedly good value considering that all of the grapes are grown in Margaret River – very unusual for a wine at the entry-level from this region, and yet another example of Michael’s commitment to quality over all else.
There are 4 lip smackingly good, everyday wines in this range. Everything under the Hay Shed Hill label is single-vineyard, which Michael explains: “I make single vineyard and single block wines because they express a particular character – otherwise what’s the point?” All of the vines are dry farmed and made from free run juice only. The vineyards are around 20 years old and they are all farmed organically, but without certification. The Chardonnay sees 25% new oak and represents the ‘modern Australian Chardonnay’, in the words of its maker.
Reviews
95 Points | James Halliday Estate-grown. The bouquet is very pure, pointing to the restraint of the palate, where white stone fruit, apple and grapefruit do the talking. It was barrel-fermented, which has left its imprint on both the bouquet and palate. The way the wine has developed to date makes me certain it will grow old with grace a long way down the track. Great value.
93 Points | Ray Jordan, Wine Guide 2020 Great fruit from this vintage has pumped some seriuos quality into this excellent chardonnay. Retains a bright and lively mouthfeel, but with layers of complex meal and grapefruit character. Oak is neatly judged, with the 11 months maturation adding further complexity. Rich middle palate with a fine edge of melon and pear to finish. Nice wine.
92 Points | Sam Kim, Wine Orbit Delightfully fruited and elegantly expressed, the wine shows white flesh nectarine, rockmelon, nougat and lemon zest aromas on the nose, leading to a beautifully rounded palate that’s succulent and creamy. It’s splendidly composed and styled, offering lovely drinking.
91 Points | James Suckling, UK This has an array of lemons, lime juice, pears and melon with quite a fine, pared-back and taut textural stance.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Features | Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Margaret River |
Appellation | Western Australia |
2022 Oldenburg CL White
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
This captivating wine captures attention and makes a confident statement, presenting itself as a gentle lemon hue in the glass. A divine citrus character persists on the nose, revealing an exquisite array of fragrances including invigorating lemon zest, delicate elderflowers, and enticing orange blossom. A subtle interplay of honey, luscious lemon curd, and a refreshing, mineral essence complements the aromatic profile.
Palate
On the palate, the fruit flavours shine, supported by a lively acidity that leaves the mouth pleasantly invigorated. Notes of white lilies, star jasmine, and a gentle touch of grapefruit pithiness, derived from a small portion of old vines, contribute to an enchanting tasting experience. The journey culminates with a nuanced vanilla finish that adds a delightful touch to the overall encounter.
Winemaking & Maturation
The Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc in this extraordinary blend is sourced from exclusively cooler climate vineyards that complement the name of the wine. 37% of the wine was matured in concrete eggs, and 67% was matured in older French oak barrels, ranging in sizes from 228L to 300L.
Vintage Conditions
The 2021 post-harvest period had cool and dry weather conditions, disease-free canopies, and an extended hang time for grapes. Adequate irrigation water allowed for reserve build-up. Banghoek experienced a favourable winter with steady cold accumulation and even rainfall, while spring was cool and dry. The growing season was wetter and cooler, slowing down ripening. Summer rainfall resulted in lush canopies, needing vigorous canopy management. Overall, the season maintained a slower pace despite a hot and dry ripening period.
The Range
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Equally impressive as the red. The fruit is of the orange, clementine, mandarin style. Amazingly fresh, clean acidity on the front palate, followed by a little minerality, finishing with a soft creaminess from some oak or lees influence. Fairly long palate, medium-bodied with excellent balance - a good pair of well-made wines. A pair that packs a punch at this price!
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 78% Chardonnay & 22% Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.8 units |
Food matching | These are a pair of classy wines that deliver poise and flavour to stand up to all manner of dishes and also drink perfectly on their own. |
Type | White Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2021 GlenWood Grand Duc Chardonnay
Regular price £36.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Absolute indulgence, and well-deserving of its huge critical acclaim. Full, rich and layered.
Only 2800 bottles produced.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light straw in colour.
Nose
Refined citrus and orange peel nose.
Palate
It is full, rich and layered; expect notes of butterscotch, vanilla and marmalade, with a delicious soft fruity character of ripe peach and apricot, whilst maintaining stunning acidity.
Vineyards
A low canopy allowed optimal sunlight penetration. Minimal irrigation was used. The fruit ripened slowly allowing the development of small bunches with highly concentrated flavours.
Vinification
This Chardonnay had its fruit picked and whole-bunch pressed. The juice was left to settle for two days and transferred to barrel, where it fermented for eight days, before ageing for a further twenty-four months on its lees in French oak. This process creates a wine that is utterly exceptional.
Accolades
-
Decanter | 95pts (Gold)
Delicate hints of white flowers open into notes of lemon meringue pie and then hazelnut, dried orange peel, and thatch. The oaky, vanilla and caramel entry into the palate is tempered by fresh acidity, which presents the core of apple pie, toasted coconut and a dollop of fresh custard.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drink now or within 7 to 12 years from vintage. |
Food Matching |
Pairs well with creamy or spicy dishes and perfect with white roasts. Excels with any seafood dish like grilled lobster, or king prawns in garlic butter. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Robertsvlei Valle, Franschhoek |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022 Eikendal Janina Unwooded Chardonnay
Regular price £15.79 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%
A fantastic wine that completely over-delivers at this price point. The 2019 vintage was Tim Aitken's 'Best Value Wine' in his 2020 SA Wines Report.
Tasting Notes
The Janina exudes rich honey flavours with notes of sweet apple, orange peel and lemon zest. A floral richness surprises on the palate which is carried through mid-palate with a delightful, fresh finish.
Vineyards
The south-facing vineyards are planted in decomposed granite and Tafelberg sandstone on the lower, western slopes of the Helderberg, approximately 170m above sea level. With a maritime microclimate, the winters are wet and cold, and in summer the heat is tempered by a cool and fresh breeze from the Atlantic Ocean in False Bay. These are perfect conditions to produce premium Chardonnay.
The Janina is an elegant blend of 80% Eikendal grapes and the remainder of the grapes are sourced from the Elgin Valley. Four different blocks, three different clones and from two different regions – a truly unique approach.
Vinification
The grapes were handpicked in bins before being gently whole-bunch pressed. No commercial yeast was added and spontaneous fermentation occurred at 15ºC-18ºC. A long, slow fermentation of 4-6 weeks in 900ℓ plastic egg-shaped fermenters, as well as stainless steel tanks followed. The wine was then aged on the lees for six months before being blended and bottled.
Accolades
- 2023 Platter's 4 Stars
- 2022 Tim Atkin SA Special Report - 90 points
- Gold – Gilbert & Gaillard Int. Challenge 2022
- 2020 John Platters Guide 4.5 Stars
- 2019 vintage was rated ‘Best Value White’ in Tim Atkin’s 2020 Report.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Classy, elegant, cool climate (for SA) Chardonnay. Forward fruit flavours, fresh & satisfying - with no mineral/saline characters - this is all about full flavour, unoaked, cool climate Chardonnay with some good body, great complexity & length.
At sub £15 it knocks spots off any white burgundy that approaches this style. Some cool climate Oz whites might get close but this is outstanding value. The lack of oak influence lets some butterscotch notes of the Chardonnay fruit dance across your palate." Tasted 4 Jan 2024
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Up to three years |
Food Matching |
Pair with Caesar Salad, Cheese Soufflé & Seared Salmon Teriyaki. Serve between 12-14C. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2017 Tohu Whenua Awa Single Vineyard Chardonnay
Regular price £27.99 Sale price £23.99 Save 14% Select fruit from our Awa Block, Awatere Valley, fermented in 500L French oak puncheons to create integrated body and complexity. Flinty, fruity and generous.
Nose
Aromas of juicy ripe stonefruit, pink grapefruit and soft smoky oak.
Palate
Richly textured palate of citrus, summer fruits and subtle mealy characteristics. Seamless balance, refinement and length.
Vineyard
Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand. Awa (River) Block. Planted 2010. 1.10ha. Silt-loam terraced block renowned for its long, cool ripening period.
Vinification
The 2016/2017 growing season began with a frost-free spring and good early shoot growth. Warm still dry conditions in the late summer, unaffected by early autumn rains in other parts of the region. Warm and settled weather in the latter part of the harvest period allowed extra ripening time.
Winemaking
Hand-harvested grapes, gently whole-bunch pressed • unsettled juice then moved to old French oak barriques for fermentation. Fermentation with natural ‘wild’ yeasts, with a cultivated yeast added partway through fermentation to assist the wine to dryness . Post-fermentation, each barrel underwent twice-weekly batonage (yeast stirring). Malo-lactic fermentation occurred once the weather warmed in the spring. Individual barrel assessment, with only the best deemed exceptional enough to make the final blend.
Bottled March 2018 - 4140 bottles produced
Accolades
- Gold - International Wine Challange 2020 - 95 points
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Chicken, truffles and Potato Gratin |
Appellation | Marlborough |
2021 Brokenwood Chardonnay
Regular price £24.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A very modern Australian Chardonnay that will age perfectly.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Perfect, pale green colour and lifted grapefruit aromas.
Nose
The finesse on both aroma and palate comes from earlier picking dates and older, large format French oak. Some ‘bran meal’ notes but the fruit takes centre stage with stone fruit and zesty citrus characters.
Palate
The minimal oak sits nicely with the fine, juicy citrus flavours on the palate accompanied by subtle bran meal. The driving force of this wine is the acidity – long and pure. Approximately 90% from Beechworth and the balance from Orange, the final components of this wine basically selected themselves. Another top-notch vintage!
About Brokenwood Wines
Founded in 1970 as a hobby venture by three Sydney-based solicitors - Tony Albert, John Beeston and Australian wine critic James Halliday - Brokenwood is perhaps best known for their Cricket Pitch label, which was first sourced from a 4-hectare block at the foothills of the Hunter Valley’s Brokenback Ranges. The block was originally earmarked as the local cricket ground before they decided to plant a vineyard instead.
Similarly, Brokenwood purchased their neighbouring block, which was intended to be the local cemetery, and instead planted Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, becoming their critically acclaimed flagship wine, the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. Chief Winemaker and Managing Director Iain Riggs joined Brokenwood in 1982 and introduced new winery equipment and facilities specifically for premium white wine production.
Since 1983, white wine makes up a significant part of total production and their Semillon is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. Iain has also been the driving force behind Brokenwood’s expansion into the McLaren Vale in South Australia, Beechworth in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, and Orange in New South Wales. Despite their expansion, they have managed to remain fiercely committed to producing unique and high-quality expressions of Australian terroir.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Astounding balance of fresh fruit and oak in this beauty. Lots of zesty citric fruits are tempered by a really soft, round oak influence. The oak is larger format and older than standard Australian practices - which tempers the influence over the fruit. Perfect balance and poise, lovely complexity - all the attributes for good bottle ageing - so will hide a few of these for later years!" May 2022
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.3 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Rich seafoods, pasta and light meat dishes. |
Origin | Hunter Valley |
Appellation | New South Wales |
2023 Cape Heights Chardonnay
Regular price £9.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Pure unoaked Chardonnay from the Western Cape.
Tasting Notes
Fresh, tangy stone fruit and pineapple on the nose. The fruit follows through on the palate with a ripe, juicy mouthfeel and crisp acidity. There is breadth and character in this wine that follows through to a refreshing finish.
Production
The Chardonnay grapes for this unoaked wine are sourced from long-established vineyards on the Wellington/Swartland borders of the Western Cape. This area receives little rainfall and the soil is a mixture of alluvial riverbed stones, decomposed granite, and shale. The vines are low-trellised and the grapes are picked by hand in the early hours of the morning to retain their freshness. On arrival at the winery, grapes are chilled and the juice settled in tank prior to fermentation. A proportion of the grapes are full bunch pressed, the rest are destemmed and cold fermented. We keep the wine on its fine lees in stainless steel tanks for as long as possible prior to bottling.
From the Producer
Boutinot South Africa is driven by our passion for discovery and desire to capture the real essence of South Africa in every bottle. It was the simple love of Loire Chenin Blanc that first led us to South Africa in 1994, where we pioneered the wild ferment style that has now been adopted by many producers in this region.
Since then we have been exploring the country's amazing vineyards to make fabulous wines from specific sites and plots that scream location, location, and terroir. Our home-grown South African winemaking team of JD Rossouw and Ryno Booysen drive the energy and enthusiasm for expressing the loveliest wines from their country, along with Samantha Bailey's expertise in finesse. The key is knowing the characteristics of each plot, understanding the benefits each cultivar can bring, breaking rules and pushing boundaries. We use a combination of knowledge, a love of nature and science to create versatile, expressive and food-friendly wines from a country that has been making wine for 360 years.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Grilled white fish and seafood, roast chicken, pasta with cream and mushrooms. |
Origin | Western Cape |
2020 Baleia Chardonnay
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Baleia is Portuguese for whale and the striking labels are inspired by St Sebastian Bay, the Whale Nursery of South Africa.
Discover a place of whales and wonder, where wines are born from rocky limestone soil in a remote and unspoilt corner of the Cape South Coast.
Here vines overcome fierce elements to create fruit with singular character and depth of flavour. Beyond evocative wine, Baleia is also about finding harmony between self, others and nature in pursuit of life's perfect equilibrium.
Tasting Notes
Grown in pure limestone soil with extremely high mineral content, results in a lively wine layered with fine, saline-like structure.
A crisp Chardonnay with elderflower and lime blossom aromas, almond biscotti and light oak flavours on the palate. Natural salts found in the soils present a delicate sensation of minerality in Baleia’s food-driven wines and prepares the palate beautifully.
Winemaking Philosophy
"As a winemaker, when you are fortunate enough to plant in almost pure limestone soils, with extremely high pH, you can only start to dream of the possibilities. The incredibly high mineral content in the soils reveals itself after a few years in the bottle, provided we respect the fruit and treat the wine carefully." says Gunter Schultz
Vineyard Philosophy
Baleia believes that living soils = strong roots = healthy vines = perfectly ripened fruit. They believe that through science and meticulous farming with attention to detail, they can produce grapes that truly reflect the terroir in which they are grown.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.71 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Creamy Italian pasta dishes are this Chardonnay’s perfect companion. |
Origin | St Sebastian Bay, Cape South Coast |
Appellation | Western Cape |
2022 Soumah of the Yarra Valley d’Soumah Chardonnay
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'% A fabulous value, contemporary Chardonnay made with great care and focus. Really has the balance between Australian joy and Old World restraint for a really glorious glass of Chardonnay that shows contemporary Yarra Valley at its best.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A nose of toasted hazelnuts, cold butter and a slight struck-match lift over classic varietal stone-fruit notes.
Palate
The palate is a delicious combo of hazelnuts, basil leaves, creme-fraiche acidity and the Mendoza-clone's signature clementine tang with a taut, structured finish.
Producer
Soumah of the Yarra Valley is a producer of fine wines from the region. A hidden gem located down a country lane, in the dress circle of the cool Warramate foothills of Gruyere. Soumah set out to make wine with the charm of northern Italy but the provenance of the Yarra Valley. Situated an average of 120 meters above sea level, the vineyard is elevated above the valley floor. The ancient sandy-clay loams with broken sandstone shape the small yield and define the detail in these precise, focused expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Production Method
Chardonnay was early as we can to ensure a fresh line of citrus fruit and crisp natural acidity on the palate. Structure is developed in the wine by predominantly barrel fermenting the juice and allowing it to mature gracefully for eight months before bottling a wine with balanced weight and silky texture.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"This is good. It is cool climate-restrained chardonnay - but we are in Oz so it’s got a lot of ripe peach & apricot fruit for me - not as citric as the 'tasting note led me to believe. The strong oakiness masked it initially but through time the fruit exposes itself. Don’t get the hazelnuts in the tasting note but it is very toasty - I guess from the barrel ferment and maturation. Medium-bodied, medium to high acidity, good length, and altogether well made - but I’m guessing not as classy as the Mac Forbes Chardonnay (which is obviously at a different price point!) - but very good value indeed." April 2023
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Barbecued baby squid on a bed of fragrant fresh fennel, basil, coriander and bay leaves, or for something a little heartier, earthy mushroom and taleggio risotto. |
Origin | Victoria |
Appellation | Yarra Valley |
2023 False Bay Crystalline Chardonnay
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Crisp, unoaked, naturally fermented Chardonnay with purity of fruit and good depth of flavour from extended lees ageing.
Tasting Notes
Classy Chardonnay with flinty minerality and great purity and restraint. A citrus core with ripe apple, pear and delicate tropical notes, produces a wine with great poise. Extended time on the lees adds nutty and toasty notes. Intense yet delicate right through to the finish.
Production
The grapes for False Bay Crystalline Chardonnay stem primarily from a single vineyard in Stellenbosch located next door to one of the region's most lauded proponents of this noble cultivar. This coastal vineyard, gives lower yields, smaller berries which maintain their own natural acidity, thus obviating the need to add acid during the winemaking process. Made by Waterkloof's talented young Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard. Balanced grapes are hand harvested, fermented spontaneously with wild yeast in stainless steel tanks and then left on lees for a minimum of six months before bottling. No additions other than sulphur as a preservative. Grown, made and bottled in South Africa.
Producer
An independent company, owned by Waterkloof founder Paul Boutinot, False Bay Vineyards aims to make 'real' wine affordable. These are sustainable certified wines bottled in South Africa and naturally crafted from mature and often old vineyards that, crucially, are naturally in balance. This means that, unusually at the price, the grapes from these coastal gems can be transformed into wine with wild yeast and an absolute minimum of intervention.
False Bay Vineyards is proud to be a WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Biodiversity Champion and certified by WIETA (Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association). All of their wines are Vegan friendly.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13 % alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Serve with roast chicken, pasta and creamy sauce or grilled tiger prawns. |
Origin | WO Coastal Region |
2021 Domaine de la Motte Chablis Vieilles Vignes
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Complex and full-flavoured expression of Chablis from vines averaging over 50 years of age.
Tasting Notes
More full-bodied, complex, and intense than the regular Chablis from Domaine de la Motte. The nose is very much Chablis with an earthy, chalky element. The palate is rounder, however, with ripe fruit and herbs - the small amount of oak influence in this cuvée gives the wine a rounded aspect with old vines bringing depth and complexity.
Production Method
Low-yielding vines grow on north-facing kimmeridgian and chalky clay soils surrounding the village of Beine. From here Adrien selects parcels from vines approaching a minimum age of 50 years for his Chablis Vieilles Vignes. Harvesting is both by hand and machine 50/50. After a short cold maceration and gentle pneumatic pressing, the wine is racked and fermented in stainless steel for 15 days at 21ºC. Around 10% is fermented in large (600l) oak barrels for 15 days and remains in oak for 8-12 months - the rest in stainless steel. Malo follows the alcoholic fermentation in early January.
Producer
Domaine de la Motte is a 25 hectare, family-run winery handed down from father to son since 1950. Now under the stewardship of Bernard Michaut, an ex-chef, who works with his son Adrien. Their winemaking is meticulous and the wines are benchmarks for the region. They are fastidious about producing concentrated, mineral and very precise wines that reflect the particular terroirs of Chablis, with vines on both Portlandian and Kimmeridgian soils. Motte's wines are regularly chosen for the Tastevinage label, a rigorous selection by the Confrérie des Chevaliers de Tastevin of wines they regard as offering the best of the region in terms of quality and style.
Awards
-
2022 IWSC Silver Medal (2020 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | The perfect match for Burgundian cheeses such as Epoisses; slightly creamy, richer meals with chicken or fish; moussaka; spinach and ricotta pie. |
Origin | Chablis, Burgundy |
Appellation | Chablis |
2021 Vallet Frères Bourgogne Blanc
Regular price £21.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Traditional white Burgundy.
Tasting Notes
This beautifully balanced and classic white Burgundy has a savoury, salty, baked peach and biscuity nose with a rich and broad palate that is balanced with moreish, acidity. The oak is well-integrated on both the nose and palate giving texture followed by a long, intense finish.
Method of Production
Chardonnay grapes sourced from Gevrey Chambertin and Auxey Duresses. Regular plowing and minimal fertilisers as well as minimal pruning to promote vigour and reduce yield. The grapes are hand picked and transported to the winery in small containers. Fermentation in foudre followed by transfer to 1 year old French barriques (Berthoumieu) for 12 months. During this time the barrels are rolled to stir up the lees - this happens 4 times a year after which the wine is left on its lees for a further 3 months. The wine is fined with bentonite prior to bottling but not filtered.
Producer
Founded in 1864 by Pierre Bourée, Vallet Frères is now in the hands of the fourth generation of the family, Bernard and Jean-Christophe Vallet. The family owns vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin, in the Beaune Premier Cru of Les Epenottes, and in the Grand Cru of Charmes-Chambertin, as well as the entire monopole vineyard of Clos de la Justice, also in Gevrey-Chambertin. Vallet Frères is also a négociant, and sources the best grapes from growers in other areas, with whom it has worked closely for decades.
The wines it produces are complex, fine and authentic examples of Burgundian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Vallet family’s wines have been imported to the UK by Boutinot for over 30 years and today they’re distributed to top independent wine merchants and Michelin-starred restaurants across the country.
A Note on Sustainability
Vallet Frères is keen to work in an as environmentally friendly method as possible, using techniques such as regular maintenance of the soil by ploughing, applying the minimum of phytosanitary treatments and the controlling of vine vigour and yields through careful pruning. The Vallets tend their vines very traditionally and advancements in the vineyards have been limited: for example, only manure has been used as fertiliser for the last half a century which has encouraged wild asparagus to grow amongst the vines. Harvesting is manual, as the family is opposed to the use of mechanical techniques.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Glam up your Roast Chicken dinner with this classic white Burgundy |
Origin | Burgundy |
Appellation | Bourgogne |
2021 Tohu Awatere Valley Unoaked Chardonnay
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Nose
Untouched by oak, this richly textured Marlborough Chardonnay displays aromas of ripe nectarine, melon and bright citrus underpinned by complex nutty butterscotch gained from both extended time on lees and malolactic fermentation.
Palate
On the palate fresh flavours of peach and tropical fruit are balanced with subtle creaminess and great length; leading to a smooth, fresh and focused finish.
Viticulture
The grapes for this wine were sourced solely from the Rothay vineyard located in the Marlborough’s Rapaura sub-region of the Wairau Valley. Trained using a spilt-canopy trellising system, the vines were managed throughout the growing season with practices including shoot thinning, trimming and leaf plucking, allowing for an open canopy and reduced disease pressure. The vineyard’s warm daytime temperatures and stony free-draining soils helped the grapes to ripen in a difficult season, with pristine, ripe fruit was harvested earlier than average on the 30th April 2018.
Vinification
Machine harvested and fully fermented and aged in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, this wine has been created to allow the fresh complexities of the fruit to shine through without the need for any oak influence. After harvesting the grapes for this wine were transported a short distance to the winery before being gently pressed. Cold settled over 48 hours, the resulting clear juice was racked into tanks for inoculation with yeast carefully selected to retain fruit purity. After fermentation at reasonably cool temperatures, the wine then underwent secondary malo-lactic fermentation before being aged in tank. Lees stirring was employed to build texture and complexity while still retaining fruit freshness, before being filtered and bottled in February 2019 without the need for any fining.
Producer
Tohu produces award-winning New Zealand wine crafted from grapes grown in our breathtakingly beautiful, Awatere Valley vineyard. When Tohu launched in 1998 we were the world's first Maori-owned wine company. Since then we’ve grown a reputation for producing premium wine in a range of varieties, winning awards for our Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Méthode Traditionnelle.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | New Zealand |
|
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches |
Sweet chilli-spiced fishcakes with coriander hollandaise sauce |
Appellation | Marlborough |
2022 Mac Forbes Yarra Valley Chardonnay
Regular price £26.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This may be Mac’s ‘entry level’ Chard but the wonderful 2017 vintage has offered up a top drink here. This is one of those 'cult following' wines that always sells out and offers terrific value.
Tasting Notes
Mac has chosen not to provide traditional tasting notes for any of his wines. His aim is that his wines hopefully capture vineyard life and vitality. As such the wines are constantly evolving. He believes that the only tasting notes that matter are yours!
The Vineyards
The Yarra Valley is one of the homes of Australian Chardonnay and is definitely an area of expertise for Mac Forbes.
All of his Chardonnays strike that lovely balance between old-world elegance and finesse, with new world fruit and freshness. They’re superb. It's a blend of fruit from our Healesville, Hoddles Creek and Woori Yallock vineyards, designed to capture the essence of Yarra Valley Chardy.
Critical Acclaim
The 2017 Chardonnay is a light-bodied, slightly creamy-textured wine, fermented and aged in older oak. White peach and pineapple notes dominate, with some custard-like leesiness to add layers and length. Enjoy over its first several years of life.
The 2017 will mature beautifully as noted by Gary Walsh in his 93+ point review.
About Mac Forbes
If you love premium and artisanal Australian wine, Mac Forbes is a name you need to know. He’s not only one of the country’s most talented winemakers, but he’s one of the most influential spokesmen for promoting the concept of Australian ‘terroir’, believing that wine should represent a time and a place.
Mac specialises in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet from the Yarra Valley. His wines are delicate and finely etched, characterised by subtlety and grace.
His Pinot Noirs are fine-boned, Chardonnays are loved by those who look for fruit purity rather than winemaking artifice in the variety, his array of off-dry Rieslings from the Strathbogie Ranges are some of the country's most unique.
And his ever-expanding range of experimental wines is a treasure-trove for the curious drinker and he is honestly one of the most genuine and affable winemakers you'll ever meet!
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Generally, they can be enjoyed young but cellaring will reward with increased complexity. Drink until 2027 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Yarra Valley |
Appellation | Victoria |
2021 Cycles Gladiator Chardonnay
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This Chardonnay showcases the richness and complexity of its terroir.
Tasting Notes
Colour
The golden colour in the glass
Nose
Bright aromas of stone fruit and golden apple, underscored by rich, toasted oak.
Palate
Ripe, round tropical flavours of pineapple and mango are complimented by notes of vanilla and butter.
Winemaking Notes
The 2021 vintage saw a late harvest with great quality fruit. All grapes were taken directly to press as whole clusters, gently pressed into tanks, cold-settled, racked as clean juice, and fermented over a two-month period at very cool temperatures. Once primary fermentation was completed, select lots ofthe wine went through a complete secondary fermentation to add a rich, buttery component.
Background
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Accolades
- Top 25 Best Buy Ratings by Wine Enthusiast
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | California (68% Monterey, 32% Paso Robles) |
Origin | California |
2022 Domaine de la Motte Petit Chablis
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A proper baby Chablis!
Tasting Notes
Aromatic fruit with the tiniest hint of sandalwood smoke on the nose. The palate has lovely weight with ripe, fleshy cooked lemons, a touch of stone fruit and a good mineral backbone. Far superior than the name "Petit" might suggest.
Production Method
Vineyards are in the Hautes Côtes, at the top of the slopes just above Domaine de la Motte's Chablis classified plots and so achieve good ripeness. The soil is Portlandian, which is less chalky than Kimmeridgian, and typically produces wines which are less mineral and more fruity, well suited to earlier drinking. Having said that, Motte’s wine has real finesse with good fruit character – very much their house style. Cool-fermented in stainless steel, malolactic fermentation is also in stainless steel and the wine is unoaked.
Producer
Domaine de la Motte is a 25 hectare, family-run winery handed down from father to son since 1950. Now under the stewardship of Bernard Michaut, an ex-chef, who works with his son Adrien. Their winemaking is meticulous and the wines are benchmarks for the region. They are fastidious about producing concentrated, mineral and very precise wines which reflect the particular terroirs of Chablis, with vines on both Portlandian and Kimmeridgian soils. Motte's wines are regularly chosen for the Tastevinage label, a rigorous selection by the Confrérie des Chevaliers de Tastevin of wines they regard as offering the best of the region in terms of quality and style.
Sustainability
Having been already committed to sustainable viticulture, Domaine de la Motte are HVE Level 3 certified. This underlines the quality of the work carried out by the teams to support the ripening grapes, whilst protecting the biodiversity of the vineyard.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
This Petit Chablis is a light fruity wine that marries perfectly with oysters and all shellfish. | |
Origin | Chablis, Burgundy |
Appellation | Chablis |
2022 Mac Forbes Yarra Valley Chardonnay
Regular price £25.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This is one of those 'cult following' wines that always sells out and offers terrific value. It is all about purity, freshness and balance.
Tasting Notes
Mac has chosen not to provide traditional tasting notes for any of his wines. His aim is that his wines hopefully capture vineyard life and vitality. As such the wines are constantly evolving. He believes that the only tasting notes that matter are yours!
Background
The Yarra Valley label is the entry into Mac's Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. ‘Yarra Valley’ is a blend of all declassified barrels from each of their single-vineyard sites. They represent a snapshot from across the valley and the vineyards. Generally, they can be enjoyed young but cellaring will reward with increased complexity.
All of his Chardonnays strike that lovely balance between old-world elegance and finesse, with new world fruit and freshness. They’re superb. It's a blend of fruit from our Healesville, Hoddles Creek and Woori Yallock vineyards, designed to capture the essence of Yarra Valley Chardy.
2018 Vintage Conditions
The 2018 growing season was broken into two halves. With a wet winter and spring, the vines surged into summer with good vigour and available soil moisture (coupled with high disease pressure). Summer shifted gear into above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall. The stand out varieties at this stage were late-ripening Cabernet and Syrah as well as the ever-impressive Chardonnay.
About Mac Forbes
If you love premium and artisanal Australian wine, Mac Forbes is a name you need to know. He’s not only one of the country’s most talented winemakers, but he’s one of the most influential spokesmen for promoting the concept of Australian ‘terroir’, believing that wine should represent a time and a place.
Mac specialises in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet from the Yarra Valley. His wines are delicate and finely etched, characterised by subtlety and grace.
His Pinot Noirs are fine-boned, Chardonnays are loved by those who look for fruit purity rather than winemaking artifice in the variety, his array of off-dry Rieslings from the Strathbogie Ranges are some of the country's most unique.
And his ever-expanding range of experimental wines is a treasure-trove for the curious drinker and he is honestly one of the most genuine and affable winemakers you'll ever meet!
Alan's Personal Tasting notes
"Delicious - everything we come to expect from Mac Forbes - great winemaking giving excellent balance and structure. Enough acidity to be fresh and clean but nothing excessive. Fruit is pure - mangoes, pineapples and peach to the fore. Weight wise it sits somewhere in the middle of light fresh minerality and oak ripe fruit bomb. A masterpiece!" May 2022
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
Generally, they can be enjoyed young but cellaring will reward with increased complexity. Drink until 2027. |
Serving | Decant this wine prior to serving (10-15 degrees). |
Maturation | 10 months in old oak |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | The Yarra Valley Chardonnay is a blend of fruit from Healesville, Hoddles Creek and Woori Yallock vineyards. |
Appellation | Victoria |
2022 Pierre Bourée Fils Bourgogne Blanc
Regular price £23.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A classic introduction to white Burgundy.
Tasting Notes
This beautifully balanced and classic white Burgundy has a savoury, baked peach and biscuity nose with a rich, broad yet vibrant palate that is balanced with moreish acidity. The oak is well-integrated on both the nose and palate adding texture and finesse followed by a long, intense finish.
Production
Chardonnay grapes are sourced from vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin and Auxey-Duresses. Fermentation in foudre followed by transfer to 1 year old French barriques (Berthiomieu) for 12 months. During this time the barrels are rolled to stir up the lees - this happens 4 times a year after which the wine is left on its lees for a further 3 months. The wine is fined prior to bottling but not filtered.
Producer
In the latter years of the nineteenth century, Pierre Bourée took over a wine business in Gevrey-Chambertin and gave it his name. In 1922, his son, Bernard, succeeded him and renamed the house as Pierre Bourée Fils. In 1945, Bernard Bourée began to train his nephew, Louis Vallet, who eventually became director of the house, assisted by his brother, François. Together, they expanded the cellars and the winery, and developed the business outside Europe. As well as putting their own unique stamp upon the business, each successive generation added to the house's vineyard holdings. Today, Bernard and Jean-Christophe Vallet run the house alongside their sons, Pierre and Louis Henry.
This winery represents everything that we are proud to be associated with: attention to detail, careful selection of the best grapes, and above all a passion for making superb wines. All Pierre Bourée wines are vinified in their cuverie in Chambolle-Musigny, and are then matured in their cellars at Gevrey-Chambertin.
A Note on Sustainability
Pierre Bourée et Fils is keen to work in an as environmentally friendly method as possible, using techniques such as regular maintenance of the soil by ploughing, applying the minimum of phytosanitary treatments and the controlling of vine vigour and yields through careful pruning. The Vallets tend their vines very traditionally and advancements in the vineyards have been limited: for example, only manure has been used as fertiliser for the last half a century which has encouraged wild asparagus to grow amongst the vines. Harvesting is manual, as the family is opposed to the use of mechanical techniques.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Seafood, fish, poultry and semi-soft cheeses |
Origin | Burgundy |
Appellation | AOP Bourgogne |
2022 Vallet Frères Auxey-Duresses
Regular price £37.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Fine, expressive white Burgundy!
TASTING NOTES
Expressive and very appealing sandalwood spice on the nose, the palate is ripe and concentrated with pithy citrus notes and a pleasant twist of acidity on the finish.
Production
The Vallets source only the best quality Chardonnay grapes from Auxey-Duresses in the Côte de Beaune. Traditional practices remain in both in the vineyard and cellar. Grapes are hand-harvested, no artificial yeasts are used and the wine is fermented and aged in barrel for at least 12 months with regular batonnage to stir the fine lees. The wine is racked a month before bottling.
Producer
Founded in 1864 by Pierre Bourée, Vallet Frères is now in the hands of the fourth generation of the family, Jean-Christophe Vallet. The family owns vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin including the entire monopole of Clos de la Justice and in the Grand Cru of Charmes-Chambertin. Vallet Frères also act as a négociant sourcing the best grapes from growers in other parts of Burgundy, with whom it has worked closely for decades.
The wines it produces are complex, fine and authentic examples of Burgundian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Vallet family’s wines have been imported by Boutinot for over 40 years and are distributed to top independent wine merchants and Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the UK.
A Note on Sustainability
Vallet Frères is keen to work in an as environmentally friendly method as possible, using techniques such as regular maintenance of the soil by ploughing, applying the minimum of phytosanitary treatments and the controlling of vine vigour and yields through careful pruning. The Vallets tend their vines very traditionally and advancements in the vineyards have been limited: for example, only manure has been used as fertiliser for the last half a century which has encouraged wild asparagus to grow amongst the vines. Harvesting is manual, as the family is opposed to the use of mechanical techniques.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Auxey-Duresses goes extremely well with baked fish and poultry in creamy sauces or a classic herb omelette. |
Origin | Burgundy |
Appellation | AOP Auxey-duresses |
2022 Domaine Les Vieux Murs Pouilly Fuisse
Regular price £29.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A well-balanced elegant white Burgundy
Tasting Notes
This appellation is often overlooked, a crime! An intense mineral and citrus character with strong hints of complex nutty, buttery flavours. Very well balanced with crisp acidity and good texture, this is a concentrated yet elegant wine.
Production
The Fuissé region in the south of Burgundy is 250-300 metres above sea level. The soil there is predominatly argilo-calcareous. At Fussiacus the average vine age is 25 years so that the plants are in balance and at their peak of production. The techniques are those of organic farming albeit not certified. The harvest here is by hand.
This Pouilly Fuissé is produced in the traditional Burgundy style, with entirely manual grape harvesting. The grapes are gently pressed using a pneumatic press. The must is then fermented in French oak "Foudres" of 25 hectolitres using only natural yeast. The wine goes through malolactic fermentation in oak and is matured for a further 9 months.
Producer
Jean-Paul Paquet began to work the vines of Les Vieux Murs in 1978.
The Chardonnay grape thrives on the limestone and clay soils of the Mâconnais vineyards of Burgundy. At Domaine Les Vieux Murs the 30 to 50 year old vines are in perfect balance to produce fruit of optimum ripeness. Jean-Paul has now been joined by his son Yannick in the family business. Yannick has travelled widely to broaden his knowledge and is quickly earning himself a great reputation.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites & no other allergens |
Serving Suggestion | Serve between 10°C and 12°C |
Food Matches | Fantastic with fish starters, veal and white meats in cream sauces. |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Appellation | Mâconnais |
Origin | Burgundy |
2021 Logan Apple Tree Flat Chardonnay
Regular price £12.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Once upon a time, in a little town called Apple Tree Flat, a humble winemaker created quality, true varietal wines that were affordable enough to enjoy every day.
Luckily, this story is true.
The beauty of these wines can be found inside the bottle and out. The labels feature hand-drawn illustrations depicting the people, places and experiences of our winemaker’s home and winery. Whilst inside the bottle you'll find fruit driven wines with excellent regional expression that represent astounding value for mone
Despite such humble beginnings, Apple Tree Flat wines make big waves in Australia and around the world.
Tasting Notes
Floral honeysuckle, peach and pear make up the aroma, with a smooth palate of lemon, nashi pear and nectarine before a long lingering finish.
Winemaking
After crushing and gentle pressing, the juice was clarified by flotation. The pressings were oxidatively handled as juice while the free run was treated anaerobically. The fermentations were carried out by wild yeasts and took place over 18 days in stainless steel tanks. The wine remained on yeast lees for 8 months
Region
The chardonnay grapes for this dry white were harvested at 12.5° Baumé on the 26th February and 14th March 2019 in Mudgee and Orange, New South Wales. The chardonnay vineyards were 46 and 19 years old respectively.
The 2019 growing season was warm and very dry in the NSW Central Ranges, however enough well-spaced rain events across the season allowed the grapes to progress through to ripeness without suffering undue stress. These conditions resulted in a compact harvest period with clean fruit and yields per vine a little lower than average. Ripeness occurred at low sugar levels resulting in generally low alcohol in the wines.
One vineyard is trained to Geneva Double Curtain Trellis type, with the other being Vertical Shoot Position (VSP).
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Mudgee & Orange Regions |
Origin | Australia |