Chardonnay Connection French & Australian Edition

Delight in the harmonious blend of old-world sophistication and new-world flair with this exquisite Chardonnay collection. Featuring the finest selections from renowned vineyards in France and Australia, this pack showcases the diversity of Chardonnay's character—from the creamy, citrus-driven elegance of Burgundy to the vibrant, fruit-forward expressions of Australia's premium terroirs. Perfect for lovers of this versatile varietal, it’s a journey of flavors designed to captivate your palate.

2 x McHenry Hohnen Laterite Hills Chardonnay (Organic) 2022 ~ Margaret River, Western Australia

92/100 Aaron Brasher, The Real Review
92/100 James Suckling
16.5/20 Jancis Robinson
95/100 Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
95/100 Aaron Brasher, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2021 vintage)
90/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2021 vintage)
96/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
95/100 Aaron Brasher (2020 vintage)
94/100 The Wine Front (2020 vintage)
93/100 CellarTracker (2020 vintage)
16.5/20 Jancis Robinson (2020 vintage)
95/100 James Halliday (2019 vintage)
93/100 Stuart Knox (2019 vintage)

97/100 - Top Chardonnay Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2023

5 Star Winery - James Halliday

“Halliday Wine Companion - Australian Winery of the Year 2022 & 2023 - Shortlisted. Ranked Top 8”.

Wine Companion Winery of the Year 2022

Aaron Brasher, The Real Review "Complex aromas of grapefruit pith, melon skin, just-ripe nectarine and talc. Full of flavour and richness. There's quite some power on the palate. Stone-fruit and tropical flavours are the driver along with pithy acidity and plenty of phenolic grip."

James Suckling "tight and rocky in the mouth. Curd, white peach, quince and nougat riffs are flecked across the gentle oak framework, the acidity maritime-salty while dragging easy-going length. This is the sort of sophisticated, albeit, relatively approachable chardonnay that serves as the regional totem. From biodynamically grown grapes."

Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion "Laterite Hills is about sourcing fruit off several sites and blending it into one harmonious wine. It works a treat. This is composed, delicious and stylish. Expect white peach, grapefruit, tangy zest and finger lime pop. There’s texture, a slip of creaminess and neat acidity to bring it all together." (2021 vintage)

Aaron Brasher, The Real Review "Pale straw, bright and really youthful in the glass. Fragrant, pretty and lifted aromas of lemon pith, bath salts, citrus blossom and wet slate. Fine, delicate and pin-point on the palate, mouth-wateringly citrusy, juicy, mineral, pithy with lip smacking crunchy acidity. This is a class act and has a long life ahead of it." (2021 vintage)

James Suckling "This has aromas of white apricots, grapefruit, saltines and nutmeg. Fresh and elegant with a medium body and bright acidity. Refreshing sea breeze character to the fresh fruit and biscuit elements." (2021 vintage)

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "The 2021 Laterite Hills Chardonnay is tight, lithe and mineral. The acid and fruit rise as one in the mouth, with layers of very fine phenolics through the finish. Pretty, spicy, good." (2021 vintage)

Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2023, Erin Larkin "Wowsers. This is super-serious... Unbelievable value for money: scintillating citrus acid line, concentrated, mouth-staining fruit and complex layers of crushed nuts, creamy tannins ... all wrapped into a long and reverberating tail of flavour. $42: speechless." (2020 vintage)

Aaron Brasher "Complex aromas of grilled nuts, nougat, white stone fruit, white flowers and struck-match. Tight and focused on the palate, grapefruit, melon, nectarine, nutty oak and a briney edge. The acidity is crunchy and there's a phenolic touch that provides grip, structure and mouth-feel" (2020 vintage)b

James Halliday " After a reticent bouquet, this springs into life on the palate with its clear-as-a-bell white peach/grapefruit varietal signature. French oak is little more than a shadow in the background, development potential unlimited." (2019 Vintage)

Stuart Knox "Medium straw-yellow colour in the glass, with a nose of roasted cashews, nectarine and hint of struck-match. Just-ripe white nectarine, bacon fat and oyster-brine fill the mouth whilst a lemon zest acidity coils it tightly across the palate. Very impressive drive and intensity, carrying it long and lingering for an age" (2019 Vintage)

100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 12.8%

Founded by one of the pioneers of the Margaret River winemaking region, David Hohnen and his brother in law, Murray McHenry, an accomplished fine wine retailer. Both have been making wine in Margaret River since the early 1970’s. McHenry Hohnen vineyards are 100% biodynamic. Their three unique vineyards (Burnside, Calgardup and Hazel’s) produce wines that are a reflection of the land. McHenry Hohnen focusses on crafting site-expressive wines and are known for producing some of the region's best wines.

"McHenry Hohnen is tucked away off Bussell Highway to the south of Margaret River. The wines have bound from strength, a comment never truer than under the stewardship of winemaker Jacopo (Japo). Under his leadership, the wines have been catapulted into a new realm of quality. The chardonnays particularly exemplify that hard-to-achieve balance of pleasurable on release, and capable of graceful ageing. The move towards organics and sustainable farming has had a positive impact on the quality of the wines, and it is a delight to witness so much diversity in the vineyards - from experimental clones and new plantings, to sheep, chickens, olives and vegetables. McHenry Hohnen is an estate on the move - divert your eyes at your peril - EL."

Margaret River is one of the best-known wine regions in Australia, recognized internationally for the quality of its wines and the natural beauty of the region. Although originally renowned for its unusually refined Cabernet Sauvignon and intensely citrusy Chardonnay varieties, the region now produces Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends and Shiraz.

Located in the south-western corner of Western Australia, it is famous for having a more 'European' wine style than its counterparts across Australia, owing to
the regions temperate, coastal location which is very similar to that of Bordeaux.

1 x Domaine Les Chènevières Macon-Villages Chardonnay 2022 - Burgundy, France

92/100 James Suckling
91/100 James Suckling (2021 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2020 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Spectator (2019 vintage)

Silver - Decanter Worl Wine Awards (2021 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter Worl Wine Awards (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Decanter Worl Wine Awards (2019 vintage)

James Suckling "A ripe and fleshy white that has aromas and flavors of apricots, croissants and nectarines. It’s full-bodied, soft and juicy. Unoaked."

James Suckling "Pure, chalky and mineral nose delivers star fruit, lime and green apples that follow through to a linear, medium-bodied palate. An elegant and understated expression here." (2021 vintage)

Decanter Worl Wine Awards "Ripe melon, peach and apricot with toasted lemon and spice; supple and generous with a long, citrus finish." (2021 vintage)

James Suckling "Fresh pear, apricot, honeydew melon and apple tart on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied. Round and textured. Hint of spice to the ripe stone fruit." (2020 vintage)

Wine Spectator "A stony note underlines the apple and lemon flavors in this version, which is well-structured courtesy of vivid acidity." (2020 vintage)

James Suckling "Pretty aromas of peach, lemon curd and golden apple on the nose with a touch of toasted almond. It’s medium-to full-bodied and layered with crisp acidity. Delicious." (20219 vintage)

Wine Spectator "A plump, succulent white, offering peach, apple and lemon flavors. It firms up as the lively acidity kicks in, driving the finish. A touch of earth lingers. " (2019 vintage)

Domaine Les Chenevières is a 300 year old wine estate operated by a family of winemakers for five generations. The estate is located on the commune of Saint Maurice de Satonnay, a small village located halfway between Mâcon and Cluny. Their 38-hectare vineyard is planted in three villages: Saint Maurice de Satonnay, Péronne and Azé, also renowned for its prehistoric caves. Vines are planted on slopes and mid-slopes, on clay-limestone soils exposed South / Southeast or several noble grape varieties rub shoulders harmoniously: Chardonnay - Pinot noir - Gamay - Aligoté, representing all the Burgundy appellations.

Georges Duboeuf was an award winning French wine producer and merchant, and the founder of Les Vins Georges Duboeuf: one of the largest wine producers in France. Duboeuf produces a staggering 3 million cases of wine annually. The company is most well-known for its popularization and production of Beaujolais wines, leading to Duboeuf's nicknames of le roi du Beaujolais or sometimes pape du Beaujolais (the king or pope of Beaujolais). In 2018 Georges’ passed control of his company to his son Franck Duboeuf.

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.

1 x In Dreams Chardonnay 2022 ~ Yarra Valley, Australia

94/100 Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion
94/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
91/100 The Wine Front
Bronze - Huon Hooke, The Real Review

93/100 Campbell Mattinson (2021 vintage)
93/100 The Wine Front (2021 vintage)
Bronze - Philip Rich (2020 vintage)
94/100 Jeni Port (2019 vintage)
94/100 The Wine Front (2017 vintage)
91/100 James Halliday (2017 vintage)
91/100 Toni Paterson (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Huon Hooke (2017 vintage)

5 Stars Winery - James Halliday (2016 vintage)

Bronze - Melbourne Royal Show (2021 vintage)

Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion "A blend of fruit from Woori Yallock, Yarra Junction, Saint Andrews and Yarra Glen. No mlf and zero batonage during its 10 months on lees in French oak. Bright green gold. Nicely restrained on the nose with aromas of white nectarine, orange blossom, grapefruit and just a hint of oyster shell. Similarly restrained on the tightly wound, balanced and satisfying palate and, as with the pinot, In Dreams has overdelivered at this modest pricepoint for 2022."

Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "A very low yielding vintage has produced wines of tremendous intensity and varietal purity in the Yarra Valley. After handpicking the wine is whole bunch pressed to oak for wild fermentation before being left undisturbed in oak for 10 months. The aromas are a mix of honey and caramel with a limey sherbet and Granny Smith apple influence. The palate reveals a lemon and curry leaf character which is most engaging while the lively acidity carries it through to a long pleasing finish.."

Campbell Mattinson "Yarra Valley Chablis, if you like. Or that kind of style, anyway. Sweet pear, juicy green and red apple, nectarine, an element of honeysuckle and a light clip of cedarwood. Textbook in its loveliness. There’s an aspect of tart acidity here but it works in context and anyways, in time, the wine as a whole will shine all the more ". (2021 vintage)

Philip Rich "A vibrant green gold. Nectarines and citrus aromas intermingled with some matchstick and almonds. A savoury wine with good freshness and crunch" (2020 vintage)

Jeni Port "Nice emotion. Introduction of dusty oak and lemon sherbet, green apple. On the leaner side of chardonnay with pronounced lemony acidity, taut and taste of cold steel. Concentrated and yet to do a full reveal." (2019 vintage)

James Halliday "A soften than usual framework for '17, white flesh stone fruit and melon combine with subtle oak, the acidity providing a path to follow in dreams." (2017 vintage)

Toni Paterson "A delicious wine with good balance and flavour. It has a core of composed grapefruit and fresh pear, plus refreshing integrated acidity. There is impressive detail in the form of oatmeal and clotted cream. I like the palate softness and overall roundness of the wine. Well-made, well-balanced and satisfying" (2017 vintage)

Huon Hooke "Light, bright yellow hue, with a fresh herb, lemon and citrus aroma, laced with subtle hints of oak, yeast lees and sulfides.The wine is fresh and light, but has good intensity and purity of fruit. Soft, svelte and sleek." (2017 vintage)

Campbell Mattinson "Lots going on and the volume to carry it. Wood smoke, preserved lemons, nougat, and roasted nuts, a gun smoke character too. Pears, tinned. Oatmeal. It's lively, expressive and textural, the finish satisfying. Nothing at all wimpy; it's a mouthful of flavour." (2016 vintage)

Swiss born head winemaker, Nina Stocker is the daughter of eminent wine scientist Dr John Stocker. Nina was born and raised in a small town on the border of the Alsace wine region in Switzerland and it was her family’s involvement in the local village vineyard which paved the way for her future career as a Winemaker.

Nina has worked vintages in McLaren Vale, Yarra Valley, Barolo (Italy), Rhone Valley (France), Alentejo (Portugal), and New Zealand.

In Dreams have won medals for both their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In Dreams source their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from three low yielding, premium quality vineyards. The vineyards are predominantly from the upper Yarra Valley due to the cooler micro climate that helps them capture the elegance and finesse of this noble variety.

In Dreams are focused on allowing the vineyards to express themselves in the resulting wines using traditional winemaking techniques such as small batch fermentation, wild yeast and the delicate use of French oak.

1 x Plantagenet "York" Chardonnay 2023 - Mt. Barker, Western Australia

93/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
92/100 James Suckling
Bronze - Huon Hooke, The Real Review
91/100 James Suckling (2022 vintage)
Bronze - Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2022 vintage)
Bronze - Mike Bennie Halliday Wine Companion (2022 vintage)
92/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2021 vintage)
92/100 Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2021 vintage)
91/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
91/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
90/100 Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)

5 Stars Winery - James Halliday

Gold - Sakura Awards (2022 vintage)

Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "A wine brimming with ripe and intense stone fruit characters from the white peach and edgy nectarine notes on the nose through to the deeply intense palate. There’s a nice cashew and creamy peach thing happening with fine acid adding precision and focus through to the finish. Really well managed wine."

James Suckling "Toasted hazelnuts, roasted apples, buttered brioche and matchsticks on the nose, followed by a full-bodied and intensely flavorful palate. Buttery and flinty, with a delicious finish."

Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Bright, light yellow hue with a bouquet of malt, honey and a little smoky reduction. The palate is full-ish and broad, with a little grip but not a lot of focus. It finishes with a touch of chew and would work best with food."

The Australian "A light golden colour in the glass sets the scene for restrained aromas of stone fruit, hints of gooseberry and cashew cut through by the flintiness and flashes of ginger. It’s in the mouth that this comes into its own, the rich creamy palate brought to life by the lovely acidity on the tongue – and then a cool lime cordial of a finish."

James Suckling "This has pretty aromas of mangoes, pie crust, nectarines and lemon curd. Creamy and fruit-forward with lively acidity. Stony touch at the end." (2022 vintage)

Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Light yellow hue; fig and stone-fruit aromas with a subtle suggestion of oak barrel influence. The wine is rich and round, soft and generously fruited with a trace of apparent fruit-sweetness. Some alcohol on the finish. Plenty of flavour and presence here." (2022 vintage)

Mike Bennie Halliday Wine Companion "Soft and chewy chardonnay, ripe in stone fruit flavours and scents, layered with nougat and woody spices, quite a bit of soapiness and some smoky, flinty elements too. It feels like it pulls up pretty short despite some pleasing fruit characters up front, the wine a bit skittish in its balance and masked with smoky notes. The finish has a pleasing, refreshing tang. A bit lacking in balance would be the zinger line." (2022 vintage)

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit "Attractively fruited and elegantly expressed with Gala apple, fig, lemon peel and almond notes, it's gently weighted and beautifully flowing in the mouth displaying excellent fruit purity with a creamy texture and bright acidity. Beautifully composed and harmonious." (2021 vintage)

Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review "Spiced nectarine and herbal highlights lead into a brightly fruited and fleshy core. It's tightly wound and tense in its youth, but still provides plenty of enjoyment. Time will add layers and breadth. A lovely style that balances fruit and savoury nuances very well." (2021 vintage)

James Suckling "This has aromas of white peaches, lemons, fresh pears and salted butter. Creamy and fresh with bright acidity. Pretty pastry and white chocolate hints at the end." (2021 vintage)

James Suckling "Apricot stones, golden apples, cloves and roasted cashews on the nose. Full-bodied with fresh acidity and a rich, buttery texture. Vanilla and praline to close. " (2020 vintage)

Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Bright, light yellow colour, with a note of pineapple introducing the bouquet, followed by grapefruit and lemon, the palate round and soft, clean and dry, with appealing flavours and medium-long persistence." (2020 vintage)

Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion "Salted pineapple, guava, curry leaf and red apples. This is worked and savoury, with a line of taut, briny acidity that courses through the heart of it. Quite golden in colour in the glass, which is reflected in the concentration and density of flavour in the mouth." (2020 vintage)

Western Australian winery, Plantagenet is acclaimed internationally for its consistently highly-awarded, quality wines produced from its five vineyards located in the cool climate region of the Great Southern. It is known for its highly aromatic riesling, tangy citrus-tinged chardonnay, exceptional Rhône-style shiraz and suberb cabernet sauvignon. The five estate vineyards are overseen by Chief Viticulturist Jordan Ellis whose philosophy is sustainability and remaining true to the terroir of the region.

The Real Review "Plantagenet is a pioneer of the Great Southern region of Western Australia with vineyards first planted in 1986 and the first commercial winery established in the region. Celebrated for its rich heritage, the winery is owned the Lionel Samson family, the oldest family owned business in Western Australia established in Fremantle in 1829. Plantaganet has five vineyards in the Mount Barker sub region each with the unique characteristics, ancient soils and a cool maritime climate cretaing expressive wines of provenance, quality & prestige. "

James Halliday, Halliday Australian Wine Companion "Plantagenet has honed its flagship varieties into a distinct Great Southern wine style; a depth of lively flavour, seamless elegance and natural purity"

The Great Southern is emerging as a wine region of international significance and reputation. It is the largest wine growing region in Australia and is the second largest producer of grapes in Western Australia. It is a landscape of forested cliffs and resplendent mountain ranges, grazing pastures and towns steeped in history. The regional climate ranges from the coastal, maritime subregions of Albany and Denmark to the inland, continental subregions of Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River. The predominant soils are similar to those of the Margaret River region - either lateritic gravelly sandy loams (marri country) or sandy loams deriving directly from granite and gneissic bedrocks. Near perfect conditions for grape growing has lured some of the most creative and talented winemakers to call this land their home and become part of its ancient story.

The region is known for commitment to be sustainable, and organic, and is attracting some of Australia’s best winemakers. In 2023 the region dominated the Halliday Wine Companion Awards with its Top Rated 2023 Rieslings winning 10 of the top 40 awards. Other varietals from the region also received exceptional ratings of 97, 96 & 95 points.

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and mineraly, with delicate flavors. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.

1 x Sticks Chardonnay 2021 - Yarra Valley, Australia

Bronze - Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion
Bronze - Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
90/100 Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion (2018 vintage)
90/100 Steven Creber, Halliday Wine Companion (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2017 vintage)

Bronze - International Wine Challenge (2017 vintage)
Bronze - Hong Kong IWSC (2017 vintage)

Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion "...displaying orchard fruits, grapefruit pith and a gentle creaminess. The palate is textured, even and moderately long."

Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion "Ripe with nectarine and peach fruit, together with a little candied ginger. Gently creamy, textured, open and ready to drink." (2020 vintage)

Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion "An easygoing, drink-me-now wine with dabs of lemon and curd, herbs and spices. While it's short on the finish, it has savouriness and a hint of creamy lees texture. It meets the brief well." (2019 vintage)

Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion "Fun and flirty with easy-drinking appeal. Some stone fruit, lemon and fresh acidity with a smidge of texture." (2018 vintage)

Steven Creber, Halliday Wine Companion "Yarra chardonnay by the numbers here, but expertly executed, and a fine vintage helps. Stone fruit, citrus and melon are the prevailing aromas, some complexity injected with a nutty oak-and-or-lees character well integrated. Ripe fruit on the palate, a mirror image of the bouquet, with soft but fresh acidity to carry it along, and then a twist of grapefruit on the finish." (2017 vintage)

Sticks winery has been Australia's Yarra Valley's quiet achiever for over 20 years and now stands among the region's most well-known wineries. Established by the famous footballer-turned winemaker, Rob Dolan who established Punt Winery and his own Roba. Dolan label. Sticks sources fruit from Victoria's famous Yarra Valley, which is known as one of Australia's leading cool-climate wine regions. Sticks wines are modern takes on the Yarra Valley classics, all crafted with drinkability front of mind.

The Yarra Valley is a well-respected Australian wine region that occupies the eastern half of the Port Phillip viticultural zone in the diminutive state of Victoria. At complete odds with the usual, hot and dry Shiraz-growing image of Australia, Yarra Valley is best known for its bright, complex wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Bolder, richer, full-bodied and buttery Chardonnays are made using oak and are produced in California, Burgundy, and Australia. Unoaked chardonnays such as Chablis and those produced in Chile, New Zealand, and other parts of France are leaner and often crisp and minerally, with delicate flavours. By law, if a label says “Chablis,” it must be Chardonnay.