As you may imagine, of all the varieties, Chardonnay scoring 97 Points are the most sought after. Despite over thousands of reviews there are still relatively few that climb the mountain that is 97 Points. What we have here is the StarDozen: 97 Point Chardonnay Collection featuring 3 bottles each from 4 renowned producers, representing the best Chardonnay spots from the Yarra Valley, Margaret River, Tasmania and Beechworth. This is a brilliant snap shot of some of the best Chardonnay outside of Burgundy!

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles      Hoddles Creek 1er Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2023
3 bottles      Fighting Gully Road Smith Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
3 bottles      Brookland Valley Reserve Chardonnay 2023
3 bottles      Holyman Chardonnay 2023

Hoddles Creek 1er Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2023
From a single block grafted from pinot to chardonnay in 2003 and which, to quote Franco D'Anna, produced "disastrous yields" in 2023. Unsurprisingly, it's a glorious wine. Aromas of stone fruits, quince, acacia honey and hazelnuts precede the palate, which has terrific depth balanced by the wine's bright acidity. The finish is saline, satisfying and long. A stunning Yarra Valley chardonnay. Date: Sept 2024; Alcohol: 13.2%; Price: $70.00; Drink by: 2030; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Fighting Gully Road Smith Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
This is a powerful wine, though what I like most about it, is that it does not come at the expense of charm and drinking appeal. White peach, almond meal, pink grapefruit, biscuit spices, a little struck match adds complexity, and there’s fennel and floral perfume too. It offers fine chalky grip, a burst of grapefruit acidity through white stone fruits, and the finish is all ripe lime juice, spicy, perfumed and offers superb length. A complete wine. Beautiful. Date: Feb 2025; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $85; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2026-2034+; Rated: 97 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front

Brookland Valley Reserve Chardonnay 2023
This is the top of the wazzer chardonnay and comes from an outstanding season. It is one of the best yet under this label. It was put together with largely traditional techniques after hand picking, including whole bunch pressing and barrel fermentation before extended lees work. On the nose subtle notes of gun metal and struck match overlay deeper notes of butterscotch and vanilla bean. The palate is lavishly rich and textured but then tightens with a fine acidity and excellent use of oak. Retains a pristine feel throughout. Drink to: 2025-2032; Price: $80.00; Alcohol: 13.5%; Rating: 97 Points; Ray Jordan

Holyman Chardonnay 2023
All estate fruit from 1986-planted vines on Joe and Lou Holyman's Gravelly Beach estate. Pale straw with aromas of white peach, citrus and nectarine and hints of struck match, oatmeal, almond meal, white flowers, crushed stone and a gentle whiff of almond paste. Beautifully balanced with plenty of tension and light on the palate. Textural, too, with a swell of oatmeal and fine, briny acidity lending sapidity and a wonderful energy to the long finish. Date: Sept 2024; Alcohol: 12.5%; Price: $60.00; Drink by: 2032; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion