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? Find 5 more from the best Chardonnays recommended Decanter's landmark tasting.
5 of the best Chardonnays outside Burgundy - Part II
Wines
Penfolds, Yattarna, South Eastern Australia, Australia 2013
Delicate citric nose, distinctly lemony with white flowers. Appears to be a lighter, elegant style of Chardonnay but some weight on the palate. Perfectly balanced, a very classy wine.
Felton Road, Block 2, Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand 2012
Attractive nose with a little bacon fat, grapey and interesting. Rich and juicy, with good underlying acidity that gives it tension and bite. Fruit blends well with oak, a mineral finish.
Neudorf, Moutere, Nelson, New Zealand 2012
Intense apple nose, with fine oak that’s well integrated. Good weight of fruit on the palate, which has vigour and minerality behind it. Some oak, that should harmonise more with age.
Kumeu River, Maté's Vineyard, Kumeu, New Zealand 2011
Oaky nose with apple compote. There is a really impressive weight of fruit in the mid palate, some yellow plums, and just enough acidity and good length.
Hirsch Vineyards, Sonoma Coast, California, USA 2012
Lively, with a very pure and classy bouquet of pink grapefruit and lemon. Quite rich, sleek, and concentrated, with good acidity and just a hint of sweetness. A distinctive Chardonnay.