For Bodega Catena, every wine speaks of the vineyard, pioneering a research project into the microclimates of Mendoza. Through the planting of select clones on various blocks, Bodega Catena were able to identify the ideal locations. Sites which are just a few kilometers apart can have vast differences in altitude and possess markedly different microclimates. The same varietal and even the same clone, can exhibit distinct aromatic and flavour profiles. Crafted from the fruit of ancient rows, a purity of flavour and a minerality that's identifiably Adrianna and Domingo Vineyards Chardonnay.

For those who like their Chardonnay in the big boned euro style, mesmerisingly layered in complexity and flavour, richly barrel fermented in a high proportion of new French oak, followed by ten months building palate texture and infusing interest as it ages over gross yeast lees. Angelo and Wendy Diletti selected the Castle Rock site in 1981, with a view to creating a range of superlative wines which express the opulence of Albany's magnificent maritime clime. Brimming with stonefruits, meal and brulee, the Chardonnay of choice to accompany white meat recipes, fresh fishes or fowl.

Castello della Sala is situated on a rocky bluff in the Umbrian Apennines, not far from the border with Tuscany. The castle, surrounded by ancient Etruscan towns, midway between Paglia River and the peak of Mt Nibbio, was built in 1350 for Angelo Monaldeschi della Vipera, whose family had accompanied Charlemagne on his visit to Rome in the 9th century. The estate now grows the finest parcels of Chardonnay and Grechetto in all Umbria, vinification techniques remain in the old world, the style of the finished wines however are timeless, opulent and profound.

The team at Castelli can call on precious yields of the most exceptional Chardonnay, the goal being to construct a new world wine that's very much in the style of Grand Cru Chablis. Essential to the task is a judicious component of early picked fruit, wild yeasts, battonage and fermentation on full solids in a high proportion of new French oak. A big boned Chardonnay of creamy acidity and the most stately structure, its myriad of undulating flavours and profound complexity intertwine and evolve around the solid core of exuberant, savoury fruit.

Pemberton makes intense Chardonnay, textural and rich in the style of the timeless classics from the grand vineyards of the old world. Fashioned to the luxurious regimens of barrel ferments and lees stirring battonage, Castelli make a big Chardonnay wine of lifted nutty spice complexity, gunflint and minerality, power, elegance and exquisite length, all supported by sound structure and nougaty French oak. Ageworthy if you are prepared to wait, sublime drinking right now alongside the finest white meats, dressed with creamy white sauces, truffles and morel.

Best Riesling in the World, Best Australia New Zealand Riesling & Best Museum Class Riesling Canberra International Riesling Challenge. From grapes grown to vines which were the source of Wolf Blass most memorable Rieslings. An exclusively estate grown wine, in the dry Clare Valley style, almost untouched by the winemaker throughout the vinification process.

Capel Vale can lay claim to some of the finest vineyards on the continent, one of the few major family owned wineries in Western Australia. The team's philosophy has always been to deliver intensely fruit driven, complex and powerful, yet elegant wines. Mt Barker yields an extraordinary quality of Riesling, remarkably proportioned, statuesque, chiselled and defined. A single choice clone, grown to parcels of excruciatingly low yielding vines, is crafted into a layered Riesling wine of sublimely perfumed talc, lime and floral notes, its ripe citrus palate complexed by minerality and flint extends to a long, crystalline, crisp Bickford cordial finish.

Wallcliffe is a tiny production wine from a unique parcel of soil in the middle of the Margaret River region. The wine represents the vagaries of climate, individuality of site, the complimentary characters of the two varieties and a restrained yet evocative winemaking approach. Wallcliffe is crafted to evolve and to develop different characters and complexity. Treat Wallcliffe to scallops or sticky belly of pork.

Margaret River has earned a stellar international reputation for the most statuesque and refined Chardonnay. After decades of the most exacting standards in viticulture, Cape Mentelle is richly endowed with a peerless inventory of the most salubrious sites in the most excellent health, vines which yield harvests of Chardonnay grapes bursting with intense flavours. The Cape Mentelle style draws inspiration from traditional methods to produce a wine displaying aromatic complexity over a finely textured mouthfeel and long, clean finish.

An extremely limited release every year, crafted from grapes picked off the same property which makes the illustrious Sangreal Pinot Noir, a highly mineral site for the growing of Chardonnay in the style of Chablis. By Farr is a profound expression of uniqueness in terroir. A Victorian flagship Chardonnay, exhibiting exquisite balance between fruit freshness and power, texture and minerality. A regimen of lees stirring and full malolactic, further contribute to the understated richness of an immensely engaging white wine.