While Riesling is the undisputed white king in the Clare, the region does have very good Chardonnay credentials. 100% French oak fermented and matured in Burgundian French oak (50–60% new, 1/3rd 1-year old, and the rest in 3–5-year-old barrels). The bottle covered in gold stickers from wine shows here and abroad.

Taylors, St Andrews, Chardonnay, Clare Valley, 2023

Pale straw with a hint of green. Ripe white stone fruit flesh, peach ice tea, sweet oak spice, with gun flint and limey citrus up front before brioche, quinine and crushed biscuit cake base. Medium weight and quite handsome. Fine phenolic grip holds the savoury profile tight, with the oak spice almost piquant. Stone fruit and grapefruit lead before toasty oak and umami notes from the barrel work. Good acid thrust through the long tail gives some welcome tension and focus.

RRP: $45
Alc: 13%
Rating:  91/100

Wine sample courtesy of Taylors Wines