Chardonnay, Merlot
Chardonnay is planted in almost every region in the world and makes a wide variety of wine styles from light-bodied, crisp and unoaked through to full-bodied, complex barrel matured versions. Chardonnay is an adaptable variety and can be grown in cool regions as well as warm areas. It is a productive, early budding and early ripening variety.
Chardonnay first came to Australia in the 1920s but didn’t find popularity until the 1970s. Grown all across the country the cool climate versions (like found in the Yarra Valley and Tasmania) tend to be lighter in body with higher acidity and more subtle flavours. Warm climate versions (found in Margaret River, Hunter Valley and the Adelaide Hills) tend to be more full-bodied with richer, riper fruit and bolder flavours.
Merlot in Australia is not a variety you will often see unblended, until recently. It is most often used to add suppleness and mid-palate to Cabernet’s stern, serious structure. In Australia, Merlot is now achieving considerable recognition as a varietal wine. Merlot blended wines are available from the warmer inland regions, such as Riverina, Riverland and Murray Darling. Single varietal Merlot from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale produces a softer dry plummy wine. Whereas the cooler climates such as the Yarra Valley and Margaret River tends to take on more savoury characters with firmer tannins.
It is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux, France where planting has rapidly expanded throughout the world in the last decade. Merlot is adaptable to most soils, is relatively simple to cultivate and is a naturally high yielding. In St Emilion and Pomerol, it withstands the moist clay-rich soils far better than Cabernet, producing opulently rich, plummy wines. Le Pin, Pétrus and Clinet are examples of some of the best (and most expensive) Merlot based wines.
Merlot is now grown in virtually all wine growing countries and is particularly successful in New Zealand, California, Chile and Northern Italy. New Zealand's Hawkes Bay is producing outstanding Merlot-based blends, especially from the Gimblett Gravels.
Chardonnay first came to Australia in the 1920s but didn’t find popularity until the 1970s. Grown all across the country the cool climate versions (like found in the Yarra Valley and Tasmania) tend to be lighter in body with higher acidity and more subtle flavours. Warm climate versions (found in Margaret River, Hunter Valley and the Adelaide Hills) tend to be more full-bodied with richer, riper fruit and bolder flavours.
Merlot in Australia is not a variety you will often see unblended, until recently. It is most often used to add suppleness and mid-palate to Cabernet’s stern, serious structure. In Australia, Merlot is now achieving considerable recognition as a varietal wine. Merlot blended wines are available from the warmer inland regions, such as Riverina, Riverland and Murray Darling. Single varietal Merlot from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale produces a softer dry plummy wine. Whereas the cooler climates such as the Yarra Valley and Margaret River tends to take on more savoury characters with firmer tannins.
It is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux, France where planting has rapidly expanded throughout the world in the last decade. Merlot is adaptable to most soils, is relatively simple to cultivate and is a naturally high yielding. In St Emilion and Pomerol, it withstands the moist clay-rich soils far better than Cabernet, producing opulently rich, plummy wines. Le Pin, Pétrus and Clinet are examples of some of the best (and most expensive) Merlot based wines.
Merlot is now grown in virtually all wine growing countries and is particularly successful in New Zealand, California, Chile and Northern Italy. New Zealand's Hawkes Bay is producing outstanding Merlot-based blends, especially from the Gimblett Gravels.
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Tyrrell's Old Winery range is named after its historic winery in the Hunter Valley, built in 1863 for the first vintage in 1864. Medium bodied with a generously flavoured palate leaning toward a white peach/citrus flavour spectrum and a clean, crisp ... Learn MoreTyrrell'S 'Old Winery' Chardonnay 2020$9.99 Per item -
Tyrrell's Old Winery range is named after its historic winery in the Hunter Valley, built in 1863 for the first vintage in 1864. Medium bodied with a generously flavoured palate leaning toward a white peach/citrus flavour spectrum and a clean, crisp ... Learn MoreTyrrell'S 'Old Winery' Chardonnay 2019$9.99 Per itemOut of stock -
As with all Zilzie wines, this represents outstanding value and superb quality for the price. Perfect every day wine from one of the oldest wine producing families in Australia. ... Learn MoreZilzie 'Selection 23' Merlot 2020$11.99 Per item -
As with all Zilzie wines, this represents outstanding value and superb quality for the price. Perfect every day wine from one of the oldest wine producing families in Australia. ... Learn MoreZilzie 'Selection 23' Merlot 2019$11.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A lovely fresh, fruit-forward unoaked Chardonnay. The nose shows aromas of grapefruit, melons, apples and nectarines, with some grassy notes. Refreshing and crisp with nice complexity and minerality. The grapes are harvested early morning when the temperature is cool. Then ... Learn MoreMike Press 'Single Vineyard' Chardonnay 2021$12.99 Per item -
A lovely fresh, fruit-forward unoaked Chardonnay. The nose shows aromas of grapefruit, melons, apples and nectarines, with some grassy notes. Refreshing and crisp with nice complexity and minerality. The grapes are harvested early morning when the temperature is cool. Then ... Learn MoreMike Press 'Single Vineyard' Chardonnay 2020$12.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Grapefruit and lemon zest on the nose with green apple notes. The palate shows citrus and hints of tropical fruit. Subtle oak adds complexity and creamy notes to the palate. A wine of good flavour and balance, and excellent value! ... Learn MoreThorn Clarke 'Sandpiper' Chardonnay 2019$12.99 Per item -
A lovely fresh, fruit-forward unoaked Chardonnay. The nose shows aromas of grapefruit, melons, apples and nectarines, with some grassy notes. Refreshing and crisp with nice complexity and minerality. The grapes are harvested early morning when the temperature is cool. Then ... Learn MoreOut of stock -
A lovely fresh, fruit-forward unoaked Chardonnay. The nose shows aromas of grapefruit, melons, apples and nectarines, with some grassy notes. Refreshing and crisp with nice complexity and minerality. The grapes are harvested early morning when the temperature is cool. Then ... Learn MoreMIKE PRESS 'SINGLE VINEYARD' CHARDONNAY 2017$12.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Giesen's Estate Chardonnay is wine that's very approachable in youth and suitable for any occasion. The fruit is sourced from a premium Hawke’s Bay vineyard, producing a Chardonnay with good fruit intensity and a touch of complexity through lees ... Learn MoreGiesen Chardonnay 2018$13.99 Per item -
Summary: The Hero of Zero wines are hand-crafted from the best quality fruit sourced from premium vineyards across South Australia, including McLaren Vale and the Barossa. With meticulous handling in the vineyard and winery, the pristine fruit will have less ... Learn MoreHero of Zero Blanc de Blancs NV$14.99 Per item -
Wild Oats is a contemporary take on the style, where oak supports rather than dominates the well-defined fruit character. Wild Oats Chardonnay is crafted in a modern style – full bodied yet crisp, with lifted citrus and melon flavours. The Chardonnay ... Learn MoreWild Oats Chardonnay 2019$14.99 Per itemOut of stock
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A vibrant Chardonnay from the Hawke's Bay wine region, a region that consistently produces leading examples of Chardonnay. A fresh and vibrant Chardonnay with beautiful ripe peach and nectarine flavours, a luscious texture with a spicy cedar finish. ... Learn MoreGiesen Chardonnay 2019$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Pale yellow in colour with a restrained nose of stone fruit and white peach, struck match and notes of creamy oak. The palate is bold and upfront with a burst of peach, guava and melon flavours and a rich and ... Learn MoreElephant In The Room Chardonnay 2021$14.99 Per item -
The Zilzie Regional Collection showcases textbook examples of varietal & regional expressions whilst being excellent value for money. This delicious chardonnay exhibits typically Yarra Valley aromas of citrus, peach and nectarine with subtle vanillin and barrel fermentation characters. The palate shows ... Learn MoreZilzie 'Yarra Valley' Chardonnay 2020$14.99 Per item -
The Zilzie Regional Collection showcases textbook examples of varietal & regional expressions whilst being excellent value for money. This delicious chardonnay exhibits typically Yarra Valley aromas of citrus, peach and nectarine with subtle vanillin and barrel fermentation characters. The palate shows ... Learn MoreZilzie 'Yarra Valley' Chardonnay 2019$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
12 months in tight grain French and American oak. The nose has primarily lifted strawberry and plum fruit characters. Medium-bodied with an abundance of the primary characters carried through from the nose of plum and strawberry there is also a presence ... Learn MoreThorn Clarke 'Sandpiper' Merlot 2018$14.99 Per item -
A ripe nose of stone fruits and lemon peel, with subtle cinnamon, nuts and toast aromas. The wine is ripe yet super-fresh and mouth-filling. An excellent accompaniment to richer or creamier dishes as well being wonderful on it’s own. ... Learn MoreRoad To Enlightenment Chardonnay 2019$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Pale yellow in colour with a restrained nose of stone fruit and white peach, struck match and notes of creamy oak. The palate is bold and upfront with a burst of peach, guava and melon flavours and a rich and ... Learn MoreElephant In The Room Chardonnay 2019$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A ripe nose of stone fruits and lemon peel, with subtle cinnamon, nuts and toast aromas. The wine is ripe yet super-fresh and mouth-filling. An excellent accompaniment to richer or creamier dishes as well being wonderful on it’s own. ... Learn MoreRoad To Enlightenment Chardonnay 2018$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A ripe nose of stone fruits and lemon peel, with subtle cinnamon, nuts and toast aromas. The wine is ripe yet super-fresh and mouth-filling. An excellent accompaniment to richer or creamier dishes as well being wonderful on it’s own. ... Learn MoreRoad To Enlightenment Chardonnay 2017$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Pale yellow in colour with a restrained nose of stone fruit and white peach, struck match and notes of creamy oak. The palate is bold and upfront with a burst of peach, guava and melon flavours and a rich and ... Learn MoreElephant In The Room Chardonnay 2018$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A generous, smooth Merlot from the Hawke's Bay wine region, Giesen's Estate Merlot is a wine that's very approachable in youth and suitable for any occasion. The fruit is sourced from a premium Gisborne vineyard, producing a Merlot with good ... Learn MoreGiesen Merlot 2020$15.99 Per item -
Giesen's Estate Merlot is a wine that's very approachable in youth and suitable for any occasion. The fruit is sourced from a premium Gisborne vineyard, producing a Merlot with good fruit intensity and a touch of complexity through restrained use ... Learn MoreGiesen Merlot 2018$15.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The United Cellars 'Varietal' Range brings you the most popular varieties, made by some of the best and most-respected winemakers for an unbeatable price. Designed for immediate enjoyment, the Varietal Range promises to provide a quality wine to suit every ... Learn MoreUnited Cellars Chardonnay By Bruce Tyrrell 2020$17.00 Per item -
Ripe, fleshy stone fruits with hints of vanilla and honeysuckle and lashings of delicate, buttery sweet almond crossiant. No surprises here - Fat Bastard Chardonnay has an opulent, luscious palate of grilled pineapple and juicy clingstone peach, followed by spiced ... Learn MoreFat Bastard California Chardonnay 2018$17.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The United Cellars 'Varietal' Range brings you the most popular varieties, made by some of the best and most-respected winemakers for an unbeatable price. Designed for immediate enjoyment, the Varietal Range promises to provide a quality wine to suit every ... Learn MoreUnited Cellars Chardonnay By Bruce Tyrrell 2019$17.00 Per itemOut of stock -
A richly textured Chardonnay. Lovely aromas of fresh, toasty French oak with light buttery characters (reminiscent of a freshly baked almond croissant!). Has those ‘baked pastry’ characters along with the peachy/stone fruit flavours typical of Chardonnay. There’s a ... Learn MoreWest Cape Howe 'Old School' Chardonnay 2021$18.99 Per item -
A richly textured Chardonnay. Lovely aromas of fresh, toasty French oak with light buttery characters (reminiscent of a freshly baked almond croissant!). Has those ‘baked pastry’ characters along with the peachy/stone fruit flavours typical of Chardonnay. There’s a ... Learn MoreWest Cape Howe 'Old School' Chardonnay 2020$18.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Inspired by the land of freedom and the state that inspired the “Summer of Love“ California Dreamin’ is all about flavour! Expressive and opulent wines full of mouth-filling flavour, maximum complexity and rewarding drinkability. Sourced from two established vineyards on ... Learn MoreCalifornia Dreamin' Chardonnay 2017$18.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A richly textured Chardonnay. Lovely aromas of fresh, toasty French oak with light buttery characters (reminiscent of a freshly baked almond croissant!). Has those ‘baked pastry’ characters along with the peachy/stone fruit flavours typical of Chardonnay. There’s a ... Learn MoreWest Cape Howe 'Old School' Chardonnay 2019$18.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A richly textured Chardonnay. Lovely aromas of fresh, toasty French oak with light buttery characters (reminiscent of a freshly baked almond croissant!). Has those ‘baked pastry’ characters along with the peachy/stone fruit flavours typical of Chardonnay. There’s a ... Learn MoreWest Cape Howe 'Old School' Chardonnay 2018$18.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Mouth filling and elegant, this hand crafted wine is a great example of a modern Hunter Chardonnay. The rich fruit palate with peach, melon and almond flavours is balanced by the creamy texture from French Oak treatment A rich fruit ... Learn MoreDe Iuliis Estate Chardonnay 2020$19.99 Per item -
Since its founding in 1978, Oakridge has been making wines in the Yarra Valley and has produced some of the finest examples of cool climate wines seen in Australia. Oakridge is family owned, with a philosophy of producing wines that reflect ... Learn MoreOakridge 'Over The Shoulder' Chardonnay 2019$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
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Sourced from selected vineyards in the area of Carcassonne & the Minervois where there is a predominance of clay and limestone soils, with grapes picked on flavour and yield. The wines are produced and bottled in association with Celliers Jean d'Alibert. ... Learn MoreVal St Pierre 'Vin De Pays D'Oc' Chardonnay 2020$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Mouth filling and elegant, this hand crafted wine is a great example of a modern Hunter Chardonnay. The rich fruit palate with peach, melon and almond flavours is balanced by the creamy texture from French Oak treatment A rich fruit ... Learn MoreDe Iuliis Estate Chardonnay 2019$19.99 Per item -
The ‘baby brother’ to the famous Vat 47 Chardonnay. Excellent drinking on release and will develop in complexity with short term bottle age. A citrus nose with a slight hint of oak. A weighted palate that is generous and has the ... Learn MoreTyrrell's Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2019$19.99 Per item -
The ‘baby brother’ to the famous Vat 47 Chardonnay. Excellent drinking on release and will develop in complexity with short term bottle age. A citrus nose with a slight hint of oak. A weighted palate that is generous and has the ... Learn MoreTyrrell'S Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2018$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Les Jamelles Chardonnay stands out for its freshness, fruit and richness, recalling the Burgundian origins of the creator of the wines, Catherine Delaunay. Doted with gorgeous limpid golden colour, this wine is redolent of apricot and pear aromas, notes of ... Learn MoreLes Jamelles Chardonnay 2018$21.00 Per item -
Hoddles Creek Estate is located in the Upper Yarra, which is higher, cooler and more marginal than the lower Yarra. Aromas of grapefruit, almond meal, white rice, a slight fresh mint perfume, and some lemon zest. Tight and tangy, but ... Learn MoreHoddles Creek Estate Chardonnay 2020$21.00 Per itemOut of stock
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