TarraWarra Estate, Chardonnay 2013

It may be a style that waxes and wanes in its popularity, but at least from my palate’s perspective, good Chardonnay never goes out of style. And I accept that at times Chardonnay can be pricey and occasionally become over-oaked and sometimes even fall flat, but if you stick to cool climate regions, you’ll seldom be disappointed.

There are any number of successful cool climate regions in Australia, but probably none better than the Yarra Valley, north-east of Melbourne where TarraWarra Estate are creating a Chardonnay that will charm and seduce your taste buds without offending your wallet.

At the $25 price point, I wasn’t expecting to be dazzled by its decadence, but the 2013 release of the TarraWarra Estate Chardonnay proved to be full, ripe and beautifully balanced from the very first sip.

There are hints of nectarine and green peach on the nose which ripen as the wine crosses your palate. It’s a wine of only medium weight but with a powerful creamy rockmelon and butterscotch calling card that it leaves lingering at the back end where the finish is long and stylish. The influence of French Oak is unmistakable while the time spent on lees gives it a character that enhances, without dominating the fruit.

This just has to be one of the best value Chardonnays you will find in the country and pleasingly, it’s available at most major bottleshops.