On the day I was tasting these two Chardonnays, it was drizzling with rain. When I realised, the song “Singing in the Rain” came into my head. It is easy to feel a bit gloomy when it rains but, on this occasion, not me. Not that I was in the rain but I was, figuratively speaking, singing. Singing because I was tasting these two Chardonnays and, because of how darn good they were, I had every reason to be “laughing at clouds so dark up above” and, ”as I sat at my desk I’ve got a smile on my face” as I was “sipping and sampling Chardonnay!” A bit corny putting my take on the words of the song? Maybe but, if you had the pleasure of trying these Chardonnays, you’d be singing from the rooftops too…rain, hail or sunshine!

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Source: Samples thanks kindly to Huntington Estate

2022 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay ($35)

Value alert! Here you get a lot of crowd-pleasing Chardonnay for not a lot of money. At every stage this terrific wine delights the senses. From the citrussy and stone-fruit aromas that start things off to the fruit intensity, texture, structurally supportive acidity and hint of oak on the palate, right through to the refreshing and satisfyingly good finish.  There’s plenty to like so get plenty of it is my advice!

2022 Special Reserve Chardonnay ($45)

The word ‘Special’ is quite apt when it comes to this wine. Taking absolutely nothing away from the previous wine, this is class-in-glass. Richly flavoursome, elegantly smooth, sensuously satisfying, and nice balance between the ripe peaches and melon fruit characters, and macadamia nut creamy/textural feel, while finishing long with a deft touch of acidity. This is a lovely, lovely Chardonnay and deserving of a place in your fridge and cellar.