Back in the day, when I started on my wine appreciation journey, I would hear of a wine tasting event and have to drive to it. I would always be mighty careful how many wines I tried simply because I had to drive myself home.

Fast forward to this day and ‘world wide web’ age and I find myself sitting in my study, pleasingly, invited to a virtual tasting, over the internet, of four Chardonnays. How cool is this?

 Those involved in this tasting included three winemakers, Heather Fraser (Ringbolt & Yalumba), Marc van Halderen (Heggies Vineyard) and Clive Jones (Nautilus Estate), a bunch of wine people and me. What an absolute privilege it was to try four excellent Chardonnay’s among such an esteemed group of individuals. Thank you to Lauren Hampel of Hill- Smith Family Estates for providing the opportunity for me to try these wines.

2022 Yalumba Eden Valley Chardonnay ($28)

This, to me, is the type of Chardonnay that would woo somebody reticent to try the variety. It is fresh, fruit-forward, textural and varietal (in a good, non-overt way) while the touch of oak is so nicely done it will easily be seen as part of the complete wine that it is. Here is your easy drinking, go-to, bargain buying Chardonnay if ever there was one.

2023 Heggies Vineyard Eden Valley Chardonnay ($36)

Gee I like this. If I had to put a finger on why, it would be how everything was covered in its profile. The aromas? Inviting, to say the least. Tasting it? Stone fruit characters offer plenty (thanks to its youthfulness) sitting pretty on the palate, lovely creamy feels in the mouth, soft citrussy notes chime on in right at the really good finish. I repeat, gee I liked this, and so will many.

2022 Nautilus Chardonnay ($36)

New Zealand. Well known for being the home of…the long white cloud (not what you were thinking). I have always, unashamedly been a fan of their Chardonnay and I was rapt to get to see this one. The whole palate does not miss out when it comes to this wine. It’s elegant, so smooth, textural, nicely balanced with lovely acidity and a terrific finish. What a ripper Chardonnay this is!

2023 Ringbolt Margaret River Chardonnay ($36)

Another lovely Chardonnay! Great fruit weight on the palate with a richness that takes nothing away from the elegance this displays. It sits perfectly in the medium bodied zone, varietally spot on with peaches, pears and melon fruits calling the shots while a delicate acidity hit comes in on the lovely finish. This is indeed an excellent addition to the Ringbolt range. Find it, fridge it, pour it, drink it.