What we have here is the StarDozen: Critic's Choice Chardonnay Collection featuring 3 bottles each from 4 different regions of Australia which not only scored 94 Points or better from Australia's leading Wine Critics but also shows the diversity of this variety with an example from the Adelaide Hills, Margaret River, Coonawarra and the Yarra Valley.

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles        Riposte The Katana Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
3 bottles        Wickhams Road Yea Chardonnay 2023
3 bottles        Balnaves Of Coonawarra Chardonnay 2022
3 bottles        Miles From Nowhere Origin Of Now Chardonnay 2023

Riposte The Katana Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
Riposte is the family brand of Tim Knappstein and Son, based in the Adelaide Hills district of Lenswood after Tim’s earlier years forging an admirable reputation in the Clare Valley. This Chardonnay is single vineyard sourced out of the Kenton Creek district, going straight to press as mostly whole berries before fermentation (50% wild) in French barriques (25% new), where the yeast lees remained for around 8 months. All contemporary, cool climate winemaking skills enabling a Hills Chardonnay stamp in freshly cut white nectarine aromas and flavours, a creamy feel in the tasting, subtle citrus underlay and deft handling of oak offering texture and balanced richness without woody interference. Tasteful and tasty – a sophisticated expression. Alcohol: 13%; Price: $29.00; Rating: 94 Points; Tony Love

Wickhams Road Yea Chardonnay 2023
A light, bright, green gold. With its aromas of stone fruits, a touch of grilled nuts and a hint of matchstick, you have to wonder how winemaker Franco D'Anna can make a wine this complex at the price! The palate is still pretty tightly wound, and this impeccably made wine finishes satisfying and long. Date: Nov 2023; Alcohol: 12.5%; Price: $20.00; Drink by: 2026; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Balnaves Of Coonawarra Chardonnay 2022
Hand picked, whole-bunch pressed and barrel fermented, with half wild fermentation, half cultured, in French oak (18% new); 11 months maturation on lees. No wonder Balnaves almost always takes the honours at the Limestone Coast Wine Show. Drink by: 2024; Price: $30.00; Alcohol: 12.5%; Rating: 95 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion

Miles From Nowhere Origin Of Now Chardonnay 2023
This super premium wine was introduced a few years ago and it hasn’t looked back since. I think this is the best of them yet, which is not surprising given the quality of the 2023 vintage. It’s 50% Gingin clone with the remainder clones 95.96 and 76 from their own roots. Pressed straight to oak with full solids and wild fermentation designed to generate the complexity and richness that is establishing a style after just a few vintages. It got 10 months in oak of which 1/3 was new. So it’s not overdone with oak. IT has an engaging minerally savoury character on the nose. The palate is creamy and rich, but the alternative clones bring a fine linear feel. Waxy honeycomb and brioche add complex notes. The finish is long and powerfully sustained. Drink to: 2025-2037; Price: $100.00; Rating: 96 Points; Ray Jordan