The Data

Country   Australia

Appellation   Margaret River

Varietal   Chardonnay

Retail Price   $17

ABV   12.5%

Score   3.5 Stars/89 points

In the Glass

Pale straw color.

The nose is aromatic and quite pleasing with scents of white peach, lychee, and tropical fruits with accents of mineral and vanilla.

The palate delivers on the promise of the nose revealing an ultra-balanced wine with vibrancy and bright citrus-like acidity.

Medium-bodied with fresh, crisp acidity giving it perfect balance.

Cool Factor

Chardonnay is not the sexy choice for many wine fans but when it is done right it's always welcomed.

Value Grade

The listed suggested retail price is $17 while a quick scan of retailers around the country shows that this wine often sells for much less, which is good for all of us value buyers.

Analysis

We have long been fans of the Robert Oatley wines. Bob Oatley, a born and bred Sydney man, has more than 40 years of agricultural experience in his native Australia. What wine fans may not know is that Bob is a world-class sail racer having won the prestigious Admirals Cup, in Cowes, England and four consecutive Sydney to Hobart yacht races with his Wild Oats series of super maxi yachts. This Chardonnay is from Oatley's Signature Series. The grapes hail from the Margaret River, a premier appellation in Western Australia. 89 points out of 100.

How to Enjoy

Enjoy this crisp and vibrant Chardonnay as the perfect aperitif or pair with roasted fowl.