04.Chardonnay
Although chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape variety in Australia, its popularity has waned in recent years because of the swell of sauvignon blancs – especially those from New Zealand. Our judges unanimously declared that price generally reflects the quality of chardonnays, although one of our winners, the Goundrey Homestead Unwooded 2009, is a relative bargain at $17. Conversely, the Krinklewood 2008 costs $30 a bottle but fared worse than the Lindemans Bin 65 2009 and Hardys R&R 2009, both of which cost $10 or less. “The top five chardonnays really deliver wines you’d love to drink,” said Gregory. “They offer great balance of fruit and acidity with good flavours, mouthfeel, finish, length and complexity.”