
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
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.
Pinot Noir is a red grape that is one of the most challenging to grow in any part of the world. Due to its thin skin and tight bunches, it is susceptible to both mould and disease. However, when it is successful, it produces some of the most amazing wines in the world. Although its home is Burgundy, it has emerged as a popular variety in Australia. Representing only 1% of grapes crushed, it has built a high profile with a number of world-class, distinctly Australian wines being produced. The greatest examples coming from the cool climates of the Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and the Yarra Valley.
Pinot Noir performs well on the deepish limestone based subsoils that are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or. However, yields need to be kept in check. Pinot Noir's concentration and varietal characters disappear rapidly if yields are excessive. Some of the best and most expensive wines in the world are still found in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir also plays a key role in Champagne, being blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. In the US, Oregon and Washington state are producing outstanding wines. In New Zealand, great Pinot Noirs are crafted in Martinborough and in Central Otago, New Zealand's only true continental climate.
The thin skins of Pinot Noir mean the wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However, the best wines have grippy tannins, fragrance and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, but as it matures, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouthfeel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey nuances emerging.
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.
Pinot Noir is a red grape that is one of the most challenging to grow in any part of the world. Due to its thin skin and tight bunches, it is susceptible to both mould and disease. However, when it is successful, it produces some of the most amazing wines in the world. Although its home is Burgundy, it has emerged as a popular variety in Australia. Representing only 1% of grapes crushed, it has built a high profile with a number of world-class, distinctly Australian wines being produced. The greatest examples coming from the cool climates of the Adelaide Hills, Tasmania, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and the Yarra Valley.
Pinot Noir performs well on the deepish limestone based subsoils that are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or. However, yields need to be kept in check. Pinot Noir's concentration and varietal characters disappear rapidly if yields are excessive. Some of the best and most expensive wines in the world are still found in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir also plays a key role in Champagne, being blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. In the US, Oregon and Washington state are producing outstanding wines. In New Zealand, great Pinot Noirs are crafted in Martinborough and in Central Otago, New Zealand's only true continental climate.
The thin skins of Pinot Noir mean the wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However, the best wines have grippy tannins, fragrance and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, but as it matures, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouthfeel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey nuances emerging.
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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
- Plus & Minus is a contemporary range of wines developed to be richer in antioxidants, minus the alcohol. These 0% alcohol wines have been hand-made without the use of any artificial sweeteners but do see the addition of grape seed extract (GSE) ... Learn More
- 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 MoreMike Press 'Single Vineyard' Chardonnay 2018$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 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
- The fruit was selected from premium Adelaide Hills vineyards, cool fermented on skins then gently pressed into stainless steel to optimise colour and flavour. ... Learn MoreZilzie 'Adelaide Hills' Pinot Noir 2020$14.99 Per item
- Tasting Note: Pale pink Rose showing an attractive nose of strawberries and a gentle earthiness. The palate delivers ripe berry fruit with a soft mouthfeel and bright acidity. Serve perfectly chilled with a variety of dishes and enjoy with good ... Learn MoreFunky Monkey Rose 2020 (Non Alc.)$14.99 Per item
- Funky Monkey is a contemporary range of wines developed to be richer in antioxidants, minus the alcohol. These zero alcohol wines have been hand-made without the use of any artificial sweeteners but do see the addition of grape skin extract ( ... Learn MoreFunky Monkey Pinot Noir 2020 (Non Alc.)$14.99 Per item
- Lifted aromas of plum, cherry, rose petal, cedar and undergrowth. This is an easy yet mouth-filling and intensely flavoured wine showing bright fruit flavours with spice and character. A freshness in natural acidity from cooler sites and fine-grained tannins drive ... Learn MoreRoad To Enlightenment Pinot Noir 2020$14.99 Per item
- 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 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 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 item
- 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 item
- Lifted aromas of plum, cherry, rose petal, cedar and undergrowth. This is an easy yet mouth-filling and intensely flavoured wine showing bright fruit flavours with spice and character. A freshness in natural acidity from cooler sites and fine-grained tannins drive ... Learn MoreRoad To Enlightenment Pinot Noir 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
- 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
- The Kindred Spirits Hawkes Bay Pinot Noir is sourced from the maritime Te Awanga sub-region of Hawkes Bay from a 12 year old vineyard. A lifted and expressive nose with an array of red cherry, wild forest and almost gamey aromas. ... Learn MoreKindred Spirits Pinot Noir 2014$14.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 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'Allibert. ... Learn MoreVal St Pierre 'Vin De Pays D'Oc' Chardonnay 2019$17.00 Per itemOut of stock
- 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
- Le Chat Noir is a range of modern French wines created by Vincent Charleux. Aromas of strawberries, blackberries and spiced plums, with a hint of dried roses. The palate is light-medium bodied, with bright red berries, a touch of savouriness, ... Learn MoreLe Chat Noir Pinot Noir 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 More
- 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
- The nose displays raspberry and cherry aromas with a hint of fresh herbs. A light-medium bodied palate, with ripe fruit flavours of red currant, cherry and strawberry fruits. Some hints of baking spices and subtle oak in the background. To ... Learn MoreBertaine Et Fils Pinot Noir 2018$17.99 Per item
- The nose displays raspberry and cherry aromas with a hint of fresh herbs. A light-medium bodied palate, with ripe fruit flavours of red currant, cherry and strawberry fruits. Some hints of baking spices and subtle oak in the background. To ... Learn MoreBertaine Et Fils Pinot Noir 2017$17.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Summary: Tread Softly is a contemporary range of wines seeking to deliver delicious, intensely flavoured wines that are naturally medium weighted and moderate in alcohol. By using more sustainable vineyard management and wine-making techniques to ensure their production has had ... Learn MoreTread Softly Premium Pinot Noir 2020 (Low Alc.)$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 item
- 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 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 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
- Finding quality Pinot Noir under $20 can prove a difficult task - so imagine our excitement when this gem arrived in the hands of our tasting panel! Lifted, pretty nose displaying typical Yarra Valley Pinot characters. Pretty fruit, with a hint ... Learn MoreThe Hare And The Tortoise Pinot Noir 2020$19.99 Per item
- 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
- Great Southern, with it's cooler climate is quickly becoming know for producing very high quality wines. This wine is sourced from one of the largest and most respected producers in the region, a Halliday Wine Companion 5 Star Winery to boot! ... Learn MoreGaslight Pinot Noir 2020$19.99 Per item
- Brimming with aromas of raspberry and red mulberry, with hints of dark cherry, complex spice and smoky undertones. Washes over the palate with bright red cherries, raspberry and subtle, juicy tannin. 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir. Drink now to 2021. ... Learn MoreJosef Chromy 'Pepik' Pinot Noir 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
- Finding quality Pinot Noir under $20 can prove a difficult task - so imagine our excitement when this gem arrived in the hands of our tasting panel! Lifted, pretty nose displaying typical Yarra Valley Pinot characters. Pretty fruit, with a hint ... Learn MoreThe Hare And The Tortoise Pinot Noir 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
- Brimming with aromas of raspberry and red mulberry, with hints of dark cherry, complex spice and smoky undertones. Washes over the palate with bright red cherries, raspberry and subtle, juicy tannin. 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir. Drink now to 2021. ... Learn MoreJosef Chromy 'Pepik' Pinot Noir 2017$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Made by the Hoddles Creek team; the Wickhams Road wines are made with the same philosophy used with Hoddles Creek and sourced from the same vineyards ... Learn MoreWickhams Road Gippsland Pinot Noir 2018$19.99 Per itemOut of stock