We're often asked many times a day for recommendations for heavy/rich/oaky/buttery Chardonnays - we're always on the lookout for the best ones, but generally we find there just aren't as many options on the market as we would like. Lately though, we've tried zoning in closer on this noble goal to see where we ended up, and we've found a few really good examples that we think would appeal to lovers of those bigger styles, at both entry and premium level price points! What's more, we thought some price offers backed up by a tasting would be suit just nicely!
Not everything here is a full-on intense butter bomb like the old-school Chardy's of the 90's, but each one definitely shows several characteristics that we know lovers of a bigger styles will adore. These will be on pour this Saturday (23rd) from 12 to 2pm, so drop on by and treat your palate!
We'll also have a very special Belgian beer tasting on Friday (22nd) afternoon from 4 to 6pm! This will include great names like Duchesse, Westmalle, Orval, and Gouden Carolus, so these will be great fun to pop open at the end of your work week ?
See you all Friday and Saturday!
2022 Comyns & Co. Hunter Valley Chardonnay - $25 on offer ; $29 RRP
What a nice little find this was! The Comyns & Co Chardy from the Hunter Valley ticked all the creamy texture/fruit weight/balanced acid/subtle oak boxes, all the while remaining balanced and incredibly satisfying to drink. - Our Notes
"From the Upper Hunter, off the Winbirra Vineyard. This Reserve Chardonnay is a perfect balance of complexity and sophisticated elegance. This wine sits between the old school and the new world style of Chardonnay. It’s got beautiful length, and layers of creamy complexity." - Winemaker Notes
2021 Dominique Portet Single Vineyard Chardonnay - $34 on offer ; $39 RRP
// 2022 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, Gold Medal (95 points)
When we tried the 2021 Dominique Portet Chardonnay recently we thought they made a mistake with the price! The wine is deep, full of flavour, well proportioned and packed full of substance. While you wouldn't say it's super oaky, buttery or creamy, it indeed packs a terrific punch, with the extract of the wine offering substantial layers while well-judged acidity keeps it all fresh and balanced. This represents stunning value for money! - Our Notes
"From a high-elevation, steeply sloping Upper Yarra vineyard of red, volcanic soils planted to Bernard/Dijon clones. A chardonnay of elegance and finesse, with all the focus on the fruit (balance the key) and the length that is the Yarra Valley birthmark." - 97 Points, James Halliday, Wine Companion
2021 Bogle Vineyards California Chardonnay - $39 on offer ; $45 RRP
Wines showing buttery notes are very hard to find now, but the Bogle Californian Chardonnay has it in spades! This is a soft, creamy, heartwarming chardonnay that - while on the simple side - is very easy to open and drink. - Our Notes
"The 2021 growing season has graced this Chardonnay with some added complexity. The green apple and pear aromatics from Clarksburg Chardonnay are complemented by notes of tangerine and stone fruit, while honeysuckle and vanilla heighten the first impression. The rich and creamy entry rolls into a viscous and silky mouth feel, surrounded by Asian pears and Honeycrisp apples. The finish lingers long and soft, like the wafting aromas of grandma’s warm apple pie. This versatile wine pairs well with grilled fish, roasted chicken, fresh green salads and soft, mild cheeses." - Winemaker Notes
2012 Dog Point Chardonnay - $58 on offer ; $66 RRP
If you've ever asked for a tasty Chardonnay recommendation from us around the $50-$60 mark there's a fair chance we showed you the Dog Point from Marlborough. The vintage 2012 is no typo, this is part of the Dog Point museum program, and is the second allocation we've received of this beauty. It's matured brilliantly, showing rich development from bottle aging, but still so young and fresh. - Our Notes
"Lifted aromas of grapefruit, fresh lime and a degree of minerality combine with notes of roasted hazelnuts and toasty yeast characters derived from eighteen months evolution in French oak barrels. The finely structured palate has a chalky textural complexity, as a result of an indigenous ferment and yeast lees contact, complimented by intense citrus and fig flavors." - Winemaker Notes
2021 Pierro Margaret River Chardonnay - $99 on offer ; $115 RRP
Less about butter and oak, and all about beautiful fruit weight and textural harmony, 2021 is a terrific vintage for Pierro. With just enough tension from the cooler vintage this wine is growing in front of our eyes. - Our Notes
"Peach, melon, ripe lime, cashew and spice, a little fennel and vanilla perfume too. It’s glossy and smooth, a good cut of juicy citrus acidity, spicy biscuits, fine chalky texture, intense but kind of calm, with a flinty finish of impeccable length. Flavour and presence, and such a wonderful expression of full-flavoured Margaret River Chardonnay. Drink now through to 2029+" - 96 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
2021 Klein Constantia Chardonnay (South Africa) - $55 on offer ; $63 RRP
With a history dating back to 1685, it's fair to say Klein Constantia in South Africa's Western Cape have had some decent practise at producing great wine. As for this 2021, this tasting note lays down the details better than we ever could! - Our Notes
"Our unique terroir and cool climate consistently provide concentrated grapes full of flavour with a distinct freshness enabling us to produce a Chardonnay which is crisp with an enticing complexity. Vibrant and bright in colour. Fresh with a light toastiness on nose, butterscotch and nutmeg aromas abound with a hint of ruby grapefruit. The palate is rich with a creamy texture, a crisp acidity down the midpalate follows with flavours of golden delicious apple and brioche aspects. The finish is punchy and long with flavours of vanilla pod and lime lingering." - Winemaker Notes
2020 Andre Bonhomme Vire Clesse Vieilles Vignes - $55 on offer ; $62 RRP
Established in 1956, Bonhomme was the first Domaine in the now famous region of Viré-Clessé in the Mâconnais department of Burgundy. Fruit for this Viré-Clessé Vieilles Vignes comes from vineyards between 70-95 years of age grown on clay over limestone soil that have been managed organically since 2001. Exotic and expressive on the nose and with excellent complexity for its level, this is a full and hearty white Burgundy that flows easily and lusciously over the palate the moment the cork is pulled. Despite its richness the wine is nicely grounded by a gentle stony minerality. There is so much to like here! - Our Notes
2020 Domaine Faiveley Meursault - $145 on offer ; $165 RRP
The newly arrived 2020 vintage of the Faiveley Meursault is extremely impressive. Where the '19 was a little more fluid at the same point in its life, the '20 packs a punch and features a richer tone of fruit too. Those looking for a hearty, age-worthy style of Meursault will not want to miss this - Our Notes
"Grapes are harvested by hand and sorted upon arrival at the domaine. Following primary fermentation, the wine is matured in oak barrels for 13 to 15 months, in nineteenth century vaulted cellars which provide ideal conditions for raising wines. The proportion of new oak, which is susceptible to variations according to the vintage, represents on average one third of the cuvée. The barrels come from high-quality barrel makers and have been rigorously selected for their fine grain and light toast. A brilliant pale yellow color. The attractive aromas of white and yellow fruits mix with light woody notes. On the palate, this wine meets up to the expectations of its aromas: it has a round and full attack before the vanillary and toasty tastes reveal themselves. Good long-lasting aromas. The finish is slightly acidic." - Winemaker
If you wish to purchase any of these wines, please use the links above. Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions // Prices valid until Wednesday the 27th of September