Aside from Chablis, Meursault or Montrachet, which of the world’s leading Chardonnay regions would you turn to, and what are the top wines from each? See 5 of the best Chardonnays from Decanter's landmark tasting.
5 of the best Chardonnays outside Burgundy
Wines
Maycas del Limarí, Quebrada Seca, Ovalle, Limarí, Chile 2010
Bready and yeasty nose. Quite profound fruit and complex texture, good persistence, with neither sucrosity nor alcohol burn. Well-blended with nice broad flavours.
Vasse Felix, Heytesbury, Margaret River, Australia 2012
Sprightly lime and tropical fruit with a dash of oak, stylish. Good depth of fruit with lemony acidity, and length, made to evolve with a fine future.
Giaconda, Beechworth, Australia 2011
A mix of fruit and bacon on the nose with well-judged ripeness. Rich, full-bodied, very ripe and toasty, a full-throttled style with power and a good deal of oak yet it has a lemony freshness and lovely balance.
Leeuwin Estate, Art Series, Margaret River, Australia 2010
Fine floral and light citrus fruits on the nose with a hint of green pea. This is quite exciting with beautifully fresh acidity backing the intensity of fruit, and exceptional persistence.
By Farr, Geelong, Victoria, Australia 2012
Elegantly oaked nose, some tropical fruit, mango, and lime. Good depth of complexity with the oak blended in, and ripe but very good acidity. A full and somewhat exotic style yet has tension and complexity too.