#top aussie white

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie White

Lindemans Regional Series Chardonnay, Hunter Valley & Adelaide Hills 2013 $23

An unusual blend of regions has produced a very appealing chardonnay with a hint of ginger in its spicy, nutty, nougat-tinged bouquet. It’s rich in the mouth with a tickle of sweetness, generous use of oak and a slight grip on the back-palate. Now to five years. 13 per cent alcohol. 89/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: chicken satays

Stockist: David’s Cellars Liquorstax, Annandale

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie White

Hungerford Hill Pinot Gris, Tumbarumba 2013 $28

This wine has uncommon intensity and palate length for a pinot gris, its tropical fruit enhanced by some barrel-ferment and subtle sulfide overtones. It’s soft and rounded in the mouth with nectarine, honey and passionfruit notes, and a clean, appetizing finish. Best within three years. 13.7 per cent alcohol. 88/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: tuna à la basquaise

Stockists: Balmoral Cellars; Broadway Cellars; Empty Glass Cellars Castle Hill

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie White

Tower Estate Coombe Rise Vineyard Semillon, Hunter Valley 2013 $22

A delicate and very restrained semillon with a pale colour and youthful herbal, straw, lemony aroma with a touch of toast. It’s delicate and refined in the mouth, soft and rounded with seamless balance and medium length. A good style for early drinking, which will also age. Now to six years. 11 per cent alcohol. 90/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: pan-fried whiting

Web: www.towerestatewines.com.au

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie White

Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Chardonnay, Margaret River 2012 $32

This is a bright, fruit-driven chardonnay with some green-herb aromas, building roast hazelnut and creamy lees characters. There is subtle underlying complexity while the wine is overall fresh, youthful and restrained, with zesty tautness, energy and drive. Now to seven years. 12.5 per cent alcohol. 93/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: grilled scallops

Stockists: Porter’s Liquor Northwood; some Vintage Cellars stores including Chatswood 

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie White

McHenry Hohnen Rocky Road Vineyard Chardonnay, Margaret River 2012 $40

This is a forward, cuddly, character-filled chardonnay with a full yellow colour and buttery, toasty bouquet. It tastes rich and full, generous and smooth. It’s a traditional full-bodied chardonnay, which is already drinking at its best now, but will hold for three or four years. 13 per cent alcohol. 93/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: roast, stuffed chicken

Stockist: Castlecrag Cellars

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie White

Burton McMahon Chardonnay, Yarra Valley 2013 $36

A restrained, delicate, beautifully harmonised chardonnay from winemakers Dylan McMahon of Seville Estate and Matt Burton of Gundog. Mineral, cashewnut and almond characters, nervy and refined with a crisp acid tang. Subtle and delicious. Now to six years. 13 per cent alcohol. 91/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: grilled scallops

Stockist: 4998 6873 or [email protected].  

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie White

Robert Oatley Finisterre Sauvignon Blanc, Pemberton 2012 $34

A delicate, fresh, subtle sauvignon blanc with underlying complexity from barrel and lees work. The nutty, mealy, smoky winemaking complexities have been delicately stated, while the palate is ultra-refined, silky-soft and long. A delicious wine. Now to 2018. 13.5 per cent alcohol. 92/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: pan-fried whiting and salads

Stockist: Elizabeth Bay Cellars

[huonhooke]

Top Aussie White

Fraser Gallop Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Margaret River 2013 $23

This is a fragrant, cleanly aromatic wine which happily avoids the green/grassy aspects one often finds in these wines. Lemon-juice, garden herbs, delicate and restrained. The palate is light and aerial, a delicious drink. Semillon drives it, but it’s ripe and not green semillon. Now to 2018. 13 per cent alcohol. 90/100 - Huon's Wine 360

Food: asparagus quiche

Stockists: Australian Wine Centre; Chambers Cellars