Isn’t Chardonnay just a lovely grape variety.  It seems to be so attractive in such an effortless way, not seeking any sort of distinguished ‘name’ to place itself above other white varieties. 

I have been a fan for quite a few years now but my focus was quite narrow in the early days.  Tasmanian Chardonnay was it for me until I discovered others from more commonly known regions and producers that entered the Royal Hobart Wine Show.

Thanks to David Cumming of Define Wine, my Chardonnay experiences have been extended to regions that, as far as I am concerned, deserve to be alongside the big shots of the Chardonnay scene in Australia.

I was first introduced to the Angullong wines just on five years ago and about the same time frame since I had the pleasure of trying one of their Chardonnays (2017 Fossil Hill).  Here are two that are definitely going to be spring and summer time people pleasers for sure.

Angullong Website

Region: Orange, NSW     Source: Samples thanks to Angullong and Define Wine

Angullong Chardonnay ($25)

Lovely, fresh citrus characters immediately present on the fruit driven nose giving a good indication of what is to come.  The palate has a good intensity, yet approachable, with the fruit showing its best.  Stonefruits, pear flesh and an apple like crispness are the main players.  I didn’t detect any oak influence, however, there is slight creamy like feel that tells me it probably saw a little oak during the winemaking process, and there is a refreshing touch of acidity on the good length finish.  An attractive wine with an early-drinking vibe to it.  Very good value!

Angullong ‘Fossil Hill’ Chardonnay ($30)

Taking nothing away from the previous wine, this Chardonnay is worth more than the five dollars extra you pay for it.  It has a lovely delicate like richness on the palate thanks to the good fruit intensity with the oak running alongside nicely, and texture adding to the nice mouth-feel with every sip.  Some nice acidity shows itself as it lingers nicely on the palate for a very good finish.  Elegance is the key to this terrific value Orange Chardonnay.  A delicious wine indeed.  Bravo!