Chardonnay Day: 18 Chardy’s to Celebrate
Chardonnay Day 2018 is just around the corner (it’s the Thursday before Memorial Day (U.S.) each year thanks to the creator Rick Bakas). So, to help celebrate I wanted to share 18 Chardonnay’s I have tasted recently that’ll be perfect to drink on #chardonnayday.
If you are a regular blog reader, then you’ll already know about my undying love for Chardonnay. If I had to pick one grape variety to consume the rest of my life, it would be Chardonnay. It’s also the reason I wrote this 2,000-word ultimate guide to Chardonnay.
So on that note, let us cheers to the wonderful world of Chardonnay!
Lightfoot & Sons 2016 Home Block Chardonnay
Region: Gippsland, Victoria
I cooked up a beautiful fish curry with the delicious Vinofood Indian Tomato & White Wine Sauce and crackled into this spectacular bottle of Lightfoot & Sons Wines Home Block 2016 Chardonnay. Both elements were heavenly and when put together – WOW!
The Chardy has a pretty golden yellow glow to it. The nose is full of vanillin oak, freshly cut mango and stonefruits. It smells of pure delicious elegance! In the mouth wonderful notes of juicy pears and apricots stand out for me with perfectly integrated oak. It’s so creamy, silky and downright yummy. More, please!
Read more about Lightfoot and Sons here.
3 Drops 2016 Chardonnay
Region: Great Southern, Western Australia
The owner, Joanne Bradbury, of 3 Drops Wine & Olive Oil from WA’s Great Southern Wine Region completed a half marathon in Beirut, Lebanon on the weekend – so I thought it would be a great time to crack into this sample of their 2016 Chardonnay with Mr Spittoon.
As most of you probably know, I’m a big fan of Chardonnay and I strongly believe you need to give every Chardy a chance as they come in all styles and tastes.
This golden-hued wine from 3 Drops is made of grapes from vines planted in 1982. It spends some time in French oak to give it enough time to develop a silky texture yet it’s not overpowering. It has lovely intricate layers of acidity and fresh fruit (think peach, nectarine and spiced pears). I also got a hint of butterscotch on the nose which really buttered me up for what was to come
Buy online via the 3drops website.
Hardy’s HRB Heritage Reserve Bin 2016 Chardonnay
Regions: Tumbarumba, Yarra Valley, Margaret River, Adelaide Hills and Pemberton
Yumo, Chardonnay and spiced banana chips! The HRB ‘Heritage Reserve Bin’ range from Hardys Wines is all about blending grapes from different regions – a unique and interesting concept. This 2016 Chardy is a blend of grapes from the regions of Tumbarumba, Yarra Valley, Margaret River, Adelaide Hills and Pemberton I believe. Please note this was a media sample.
It’s a banana yellow colour on the eye (I compared it with the banana chips we were eating, so pretty sure of it!). Smooth oak, spiced pears and peach slices stand out on the nose. While there a nice oomph of flavour and complexity on the palate. Think elegant citrus and stone fruit flavours. I’d buy this again!
Buy online via the Dan Murphy’s website or purchase in stores.
Upper Reach 2014 Reserve Chardonnay
Region: Swan Valley, Western Australia
I was over at a friends house recently and they pulled out this Swan Valley beauty! This Upper Reach Winery 2014 Reserve Chardonnay is a pretty great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
It’s a lemon colour on the eye with a hint of lime. The nose is full of vanilla oak, stone fruits and a hint of florals. In the mouth, it has that wonderful balance of fresh fruit flavours and creamy, elegant oak. I was particularly picking up spiced pear and toasted sesame seeds. More, please!
Buy online via the Upper Reach Winery website or at the cellar door.
Swings & Roundabouts 2017 Backyard Stories Chardonnay
Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
Introducing the new 2017 ‘Backyard Stories’ Chardonnay from Swings & Roundabouts in Margaret River, retailing for approx $45 a bottle. I know a lot of you will be familiar with Swings, but do you know why they chose their name?
“Our name celebrates the creative and skilled balancing act performed by nature and our winemaking team, to deliver well-structured wines that are fresh and flavoursome with style and finesse. To achieve this, there is a clear understanding that… what is lost on the roundabouts, we pick up on the swings!”
This Chardy is a limey lemon yellow colour on the eye. The nose is creamy with a touch of floral perfume, nuts and refreshing just cut grapefruit. In the mouth juicy pears and citrus come through for me. It has a nearly honey oil like texture which is just so darn mouthwatering. And it finishes off with a bang – nice, long, tasty finish. Please note this was a media sample.
Buy online via the Swings & Roundabouts website.
Champagne Charles Orban Blanc de Blancs
Region: Champagne, France
Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a bottle of champagne – trust me, guys! I spotted this bottle of very lonely looking champas recently on the Dan Murphy’s shelves for about $50 and thought I better give it some company.
Champagne Charles Orban Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chardonnay and is a ‘non-vintage’. This means it’s a blend of grapes from different years, aka their house style which they try to keep the same every year. Orban is a grower/producer – I’d highly recommend reading ‘Bursting Bubbles’ for more info on how the vineyards in the Champagne region work.
It’s a lemon juice colour on the eye. Creamy notes of vanilla oak, nutty brioche and spiced citrus jump out of the glass at me. While in the mouth it’s smooth and citrusy with flavours of juicy apples weaved through the freshly baked pastry. Highly enjoyable!
Buy online via the Dan Murphy’s website or purchase in stores.
Narkoojee Lily Grace Chardonnay
Region: Gippsland, Victoria
When I spotted this bottle of Narkoojee Lily Grace Chardonnay from over here in Gippsland, I just had to grab a bottle to try based on Marieke’s recommendation. $28 a bottle approx.
It’s a sunny yellow in the glass with creamy honeydew melon and buttery fruit danish on the nose. In the mouth, it has a great balance of freshness and creaminess with flavours of vanilla infused fruits (think peach and melon) and a lovely lingering finish. I’ll be seeing you again Lily Grace!
Buy online via the Narkoojee website or at the cellar door.
Tudor 2016 Chardonnay from (ALDI)
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
‘Like sands through the hourglass, these are the wines of our lives’ said Mr. Spittoon as he sipped on this cheap & cheerful Chardonnay we picked up from Aldi for about $12.
It’s a yellow shade on the eye. The nose is rather tropical with hints of citrus and a touch of fresh herbs. It’s very easy drinking and fruit forward on the palate with a rather creamy texture. Not bad for the $$.
Buy at ALDI supermarkets.
Stonier Wines 2016 Chardonnay
Region: Mornington Penninsula, Victoria
Yes, I know.. a lot of tasting notes have been going up lately (which must mean one thing) but between building a new website and remembering to breathe – believe me, I need wine by 8pm!
This Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay from Stonier Wines was $22 from memory.
Stonier started up in 1978, so 40 years ago now and is one of the founding wineries on the Peninsula. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the core focus of the winery. I knew I’d picked well.
It’s a mesmerising yellow shade on the eye with butterscotch and lychee coming through on the nose and a whiff of cooling mint. In the mouth, it’s creamy, juicy and plush with delectable tastes of lemon acidity and crunchy apple refreshing my very spoilt taste buds.
Buy online via the Stonier Wines website or at the cellar door.
Cave de Lugny Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs
Region: Burgundy, France
We recently felt like the ultimate comfort food – sausage swirls. So managing with our 1 pot, 1 knife and spatula, they actually turned out alright considering! I love to match this pastry, meat, cheese and potato swirls with bubbles as it refreshes the palate. This wee bubbles from the Burgundy Region in France is around the $15 mark and is made from 100% Chardonnay.
On the eye, it’s a creamy pastel yellow colour. Notes of apples and lemon come through on the nose with a slight hint of nuts. In the mouth, it’s juicy, fruity and easy drinking with a lovely soft effervescence. This is my kind of night in on a budget!
Buy online or from Liquorland, Vintage Cellars or First Choice liquor stores.
Domaine Gayda 2016 Chardonnay
If you spotted my socials on Friday then you may have seen this is how I ended my week. We baked up some Camembert with fresh thyme for a baguette to be dunked in, popped on some ‘French cafe music’ as YouTube calls it, and cracked this stellar Chardy from French Vine (thank you for the sample Mon’Amie) on our deck. It was perfect!
Domaine Gayda is located in the Languedoc region in the South of France. You can purchase this beauty via the French Vine website (please note: cheese and bread not included).
It’s a yellow shade in the glass with a slight tinge of peach. The nose is rather floral with hints of citrus, fresh herb, nectarine slices and juicy pear. In the mouth, it’s juicy and full of flavour with a gorgeous creamy texture and flavours of pear, rockmelon and a sprinkling of white pepper. Love Chardy? You need this in your life!
Buy online via the French Vine website.
Francois Martenot Grand Pres Macon Villages 2015
Region: Burgundy, France
For anyone who was wondering, yes the Australian Gourmet Traveller’s ‘Prawn, lemon cream and prosciutto tagliatelle’ was delish! It’s super easy to make and it goes down an absolute treat with a glass of Chardy!
I made this recipe as part of the Dan Murphy’s Delicious Seafood and White Wine Pairings for Easter – and I’ll definitely be having this combo again. The Chardy is from the Burgundy region in France and retails for $20.
It’s a warm golden sunrise colour in the glass with a lovely creamy nose full of hints of nuts, butter and peach. In the mouth, it’s fresh and fruity and made me think of mango yoghurt with a few slices of fresh pear in there and some refreshing citrus. Fab match to the creamy seafood pasta.
Buy online via the Dan Murphy’s website or in store.
Jean Luc and Paul Aegerter 2014 Chablis
Region: Burgundy, France
Ever wondered what to match with Goats cheese?? This French Chablis (made from 100% Chardonnay) is an absolutely amazing match! Thank you very much for the sample and superb matching tip French Vine!
In the glass, it’s a sunny golden yellow shade. The nose is crisp and fresh with green apple, blossom, minerality and a hint of orange zest. While in the mouth it’s dry with crisp lemon zing and a mellow lemon honey flavour. 100% elegant. 100% enjoyable. And an excellent match to the goat’s cheese.
Buy online via the French Vine website.
Driftwood Estate ‘The Collection’ 2017 Chardonnay
Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
Well hello WA wine, I miss you too! This lovely little bottle of 2017 ‘the collection’ Chardonnay from Driftwood Estate in Margaret River was in the samples pack I recently received from the team at Wine Selectors. Thank you, guys!
Margs is famed for producing awesome Chardy and I’m a bit of Chard lover so I knew this would be right up my alley.
It’s a silvery gold colour on the eye. Notes of crisp fresh peaches & nectarines, lemon sorbet, vanilla honey and hints of passionfruit come through on the nose. While in the mouth it’s juicy with sweet tropical fruit flavours. Think creamy lychee and lemon flavours.
Buy online via the Wine Selectors website.
Hirsch Hill Estate 2015 Chardonnay
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
Next up on the Wine Selectors adventure is this Hirsch Hill Estate 2015 Chardonnay from VIC’s Yarra Valley. I was very intrigued to try this wine since it’s been described as ‘Chablis-like’.
In the glass, it’s a pale yellow colour with a very delicate and mellow nose. There are hints of minerality, nuts and vanilla bean. While in the mouth it has a certain elegance to it with notes of honey, blossoms and white peaches. Very enjoyable!
Buy online via the Wine Selectors website.
Mandala 2015 Blanc de Blancs
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
Being a ‘Blanc de Blancs’ means it’s made from 100% white grapes, this one is made from Chardonnay grapes. It’s $35 which you can order online via mandalawines.com.au (by signing up to their email list you can currently get 15% off and free shipping). Please note I was sent this bottle as a media sample.
On the eye, this sparkling wine is a glittery silver-gold colour in the glass. The nose is full of wafer biscuits, crisp lemons and spiced apples. While in the mouth it has an über smooth texture with hints of apple tarts and a wonderfully refreshing lemon & lime acidity. If you’re getting Mum a bottle of this for Mother’s Day, she won’t be disappointed.
Buy online via the Mandala Wines website.
Te Mania 2016 Reserve Chardonnay
Region: Nelson, New Zealand
We stayed at the Te Mania / Richmond Plains winery at their Airbnb cottage earlier in the month. We fell in love with this 2016 Reserve Chardy by Te Mania (meaning the Maori name for “The Plains”) which is certified organic and vegan-friendly too.
It’s a crisp clean yellow colour in the glass. The nose is wonderfully creamy and buttery with toast and baking spice over orchard fruits. Candied lemon and honeydew melon come through on the palate with a hint of smooth oak and a lovely long finish.
Buy online via the Te Mania website or at the cellar door.
Brightwater Vineyards 2015 Chardonnay
Region: Nelson, New Zealand
Yes, I admit it. I completely fell in love with the Nelson Wine Region on my fleeting visit recently. I wish I’d had time to visit Brightwater Vineyards as from their Instagram profile – it looks stunning. And this bottle of 2015 Chardonnay is an absolute stunner. It’s easy to understand why it won gold at the Air New Zealand 2016 Wine Awards!
On the eye, it’s a lovely lemon yellow colour. Creamy oak, hints of lemon honey, freshly cut nectarine and smooth honeydew melon notes entice the nostrils. While the palate enjoys silky smooth texture, preserved lemon, stone fruit and vanilla. A wine I could easily spend all afternoon with! $28 a bottle approx.
Buy online via the Brightwater Vineyards website or at the cellar door.
All opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy and have a fabulous Chardonnay Day guys!
What is your favourite Chardonnay? Leave a comment below!
