From De Bortoli’s substantial Riverina plantings. Warm fermentation and extended lees contact through maturation give a nod to the Bigger End of Old Chardonnay town. Winemaker is Joel Veenhuizen

De Bortoli, DB Winemaker Selection, Chardonnay, Riverina, 2016

Certainly smells like chardonnay with soft fresh dinner bread roll, lemon butter and fruitier tropical melon notes. Creamy, ripe tropical fruit and peach stonefruit palate with varietal grapefruit and lemon citrus. Has distracting warmth and heat as the wine finishes with lingering oak flavours. It doesn’t fall over itself by being flabby, there’s still some tight grip on the reins.

RRP: $11
Alc: 13.2%
Rating: 15.5/20

Wine sample courtesy of De Bortoli