Australian chardonnay has come a long way. Rich, fruit-filled, butter-yellow wines have given way to textural and complex styles that balance acidity with chardonnay's traditional toasty, French oak characteristics. The results are styles that delight on their own, but don't overpower when enjoyed alongside food. Try these examples from four of the country's acclaimed producers.
2019 Yarra Yering Chardonnay
Oyster shell nose with grapefruit, pears and ginger. A citrus energy drives the palate with a pithy interest and texture on the back palate. An extremely fine-grained oak tannin framework lingers on the finish – pair with a decadent lobster roll.
RRP $105 | Drink to 2029 | yarrayering.com
2019 The Ridge North Lilydale Chardonnay
A fresh, lively mix of stone fruit and citrusy acidity. Un-oaked to illuminate the elegance of the fruit. Delicious matched with seafood such as sushi, shellfish, whiting or flounder.
RRP $35 | Drink to 2029 | theridgenorthlilydale.com.au
2020 Hughes&Hughes Chardonnay
Stonefruit aromas complement grapefruit and citrus notes.Hints of spice and smoke sit with subtle reductive notes to add complexity. The palate is textured and builds around fine acidity in what is a complex and charming wine – perfect with fresh seafood dishes.
RRP $35 | Drink to 2028 | mewstonewines.com.au
2019 Winmark Rusty’s Run Chardonnay
This wine expresses peach and citrus notes, with subtle oak handling that emphasises elegance and a crisp dry finish. It is drinking beautifully now and can be cellared for up to five years – pair with good food and good company.
RRP $32 | Drink to 2026 | winmarkwines.com.au
*This article was produced by Halliday Wine Companion in partnership with the featured wineries.
2019 Yarra Yering Chardonnay
Oyster shell nose with grapefruit, pears and ginger. A citrus energy drives the palate with a pithy interest and texture on the back palate. An extremely fine-grained oak tannin framework lingers on the finish – pair with a decadent lobster roll.
RRP $105 | Drink to 2029 | yarrayering.com
2019 The Ridge North Lilydale Chardonnay
A fresh, lively mix of stone fruit and citrusy acidity. Un-oaked to illuminate the elegance of the fruit. Delicious matched with seafood such as sushi, shellfish, whiting or flounder.
RRP $35 | Drink to 2029 | theridgenorthlilydale.com.au
2020 Hughes&Hughes Chardonnay
Stonefruit aromas complement grapefruit and citrus notes.Hints of spice and smoke sit with subtle reductive notes to add complexity. The palate is textured and builds around fine acidity in what is a complex and charming wine – perfect with fresh seafood dishes.
RRP $35 | Drink to 2028 | mewstonewines.com.au
2019 Winmark Rusty’s Run Chardonnay
This wine expresses peach and citrus notes, with subtle oak handling that emphasises elegance and a crisp dry finish. It is drinking beautifully now and can be cellared for up to five years – pair with good food and good company.
RRP $32 | Drink to 2026 | winmarkwines.com.au
*This article was produced by Halliday Wine Companion in partnership with the featured wineries.
