I heard on the grapevine the other day that chardonnay is about to make a comeback after falling from fashion in favour of pinot gris and sauvignon blanc. This is good news as good chardonnay is delicious.
BEST UNDER $20
$15
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
A soft, creamy chardonnay with hints of nuts and peaches, a bright crisp finish and rich aftertaste.
$20
Three and a half stars
Good value
An attractive, easy wine hinting of sweet ripe peaches, creamy, toasted nuts and finishing with a crisp, lingering aftertaste.
$25
Three and a half stars
Below average value
A stylish wine with hints of golden kiwi and carrot juice, light toasty, nutty, buttery undertones and suggestions of stone fruit. It is textural and well structured, but when I tasted it the following day the vegetal, mineral undertones had become stronger than when first opened.
$26
Three and a half stars
Below average value
There's lots of flavour here - stone fruit, very ripe apples, pineapple and grapefruit, with a buttery, nutty undertone. It is mouth-filling with a crisp, but rather lean finish.
$28
Four stars
Average value
Lively hints of citrus and stone fruit, with a smoky hint of mineral, nutty, buttery undertones, texture and length, and a bright, fresh finish. A stylish, understated wine.
$30
Four stars
Average value
Peach, nectarine, and hints of tropical fruit with firm underpinnings of creamy, nutty oak, a savoury nuance and an intense, crisp finish. This is a young wine and bottle age will allow it to develop.
