By Fergal Gleeson
Robert Oatley Vineyards Signature Margaret River Chardonnay 2017 RRP $23
As well known for ownership of the Sydney to Hobart winning Wild Oats raising yachts as being the founder of the iconic brand Rosemount Estate, Robert Oatley left his mark on Australian life.
Robert Oatley Vineyards is now run by his son Sandy and has offerings from multiple regions but with a strong tilt to Western Australia. The 2017 is a soft and rounded Chardonnay with white peach flavours.
It’s an easy drinking style that is generous enough to please old style Chardonnay lovers but tidy enough for those who prefer the modern take. Cellar door open daily. Venue also hosts weddings and events.
http://www.robertoatley.com.au
Fraser Gallop Parterre Chardonnay 2018 RRP $43
The Parterre range offers extraordinary quality and value for money. The range includes a Cabernet, a Semillon Sauvignon blend and a Chardonnay. Year after year the wines achieve stellar points from international and local wine critics.
The 2018 Chardonnay has white peach, nectarine and chalky flavours. It’s clean, edgy and sophisticated. Stands side by side with the best of the region.
Cellar door open daily. Weekend tours start at 10am. Keep an eye on the website as they hold regular events.
http://www.frasergallopestate.com.au
Cape Grace Reserve Chardonnay 2017 RRP $68
Cape Grace are a highly awarded family owned winery (3 trophies and 175 medals) where production has been kept small to maintain quality which allows them to use small batch equipment like a basket press.
Their range spans sparkling, white, rosé, red wines and a lovely cane cut Chenin dessert wine. The 2017 Reserve is beautiful, running from white grapefruit flavours through chalky dryness to well-handled oak derived weight. Lovely detail from a cool, slow ripening vintage.
Part of the Small Family Wine Trail. Cellar Door open daily. Variety of wine experiences on offer.
http://www.capegracewines.com.au
Xanadu Stevens Road Chardonnay 2017 RRP $80
Pure and pristine Chardonnay from Xanadu. Put your nose in the glass and you’ll pick up nothing oaky. This is elegant Margaret River Chardonnay with great depth of flavour. There’s texture and complexity but it’s as refined as fine bone china. Age ability galore also.
Two trophies from the Margaret River Wine Show, Chardonnay doesn’t come much better than this. The trophies are a continuation of a hot streak that seen Xanadu become one of Margaret River’s most awarded wineries in the past five years.
Founded in 1977, Xanadu’s Cellar Door and acclaimed Restaurant (Top 50 West Australian Food Guide 2017 & 2018, Chef Hat, Australian Good Food Guide. 2019 Chef Hat Awards) are open daily.
From Your Margaret River Region Magazine
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