The Best Australian Chardonnay Wines of 2016

Any Australian will be quick to point out that locals are a lot more enthusiastic about their wine than their beer. It’s a passionate wine-making country which supplies some of the best wine in the world, especially those found on Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours.

Shaw + Smith Lenswood Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2015

Shaw & Smith bought a massive vineyard half a decade ago. It’s been churning out seventeen year old Chardonnay for decades, with excellent vines grown over clay. The wine it produces strikes the perfect balance between punch and taste. It’s a powerful wine that knows how to be elegant.

There are notes of lime, white peach, and lemon. They’ve also added a bit of nougat and vanilla flavours to the mix.

Coldstream Hills Deer Farm Vineyard, Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2015

James Halliday founded this brand a while back when he bought the best vineyard in Yarra Valley. The vines are grown on clay slopes that face the windy south. The Chardonnay is 22 years old and is aged a further nine months in French oak. That helps it acquire a delightful citrusy aroma and grapefruit taste.

Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay 2010

Tom Carson, the winemaker, is looking for perfection and purity with this Chardonnay. The 2010 vintage is sublime and hits a lot of citrus blossom notes. It’s made from vines grown on the clay soils of Tuerong. The clones are fermented in French oaks and then aged for almost a year. It’s probably one of the most affordable wines on the list.

Bannockburn S.R.H, Geelong Chardonnay 2011

Victoria’s Geelong region isn’t really known for its vineyards, but it could soon be after this amazing creation. Michael Glover has proven he’s got an eye for detail with the Bannockburn SRH. It’s made from vines grown on the oldest part of the estate he acquired. There’s a hint of oyster shell mixed with the citrusy flavour, and a little bit of gun smoke for added punch. It’s a light wine that really fills the palate with exciting flavours.

Penfolds Reserve Bin 15A, Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2015

Penfolds has been gaining a reputation for contemporary white wines. This one won an award at the James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge last year. The wine is made exclusively from the produce in Adelaide Hills and the difference is palpable. It’s a pure, powerful, and delicate mixture that hits all the right notes.

These were some of the best Chardonnays Australia had to offer this year. Many of them offer heritage and unparalleled flavour. From the cheapest to the most exclusive, each of these five ones is worth a taste.