£13.99, Rude Wines
Does anyone still say they don’t like Chardonnay? I defy anyone not to be won over by this sophisticated, nimble Chardonnay from one of Australia’s coolest wine regions and its highest vineyards, Koomooloo in the Orange region of New South Wales. Planted on the volcanic slopes of the extinct Mount Canobolas, the vines stop at 900 metres, but not before they’ve reached the winter snow-line. The soils are as promising as the climate – wind-blown, fine red loess on volcanic-rock soil on a deep limestone base, since you ask. And the vines, planted in 1995, have maturity on their side. Add in an owner-winemaker, Philip Shaw, with long experience and a sure touch and you end up with The Architect: delicately nutty, spicy and silky textured with understated citrus and peach fruit and crystalline purity and freshness. Serve with seafood, chicken, risotto, simple or creamy pasta dishes. Or just sit back and enjoy it on its own.
The Architect Chardonnay 2015, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
£13.94, Mail a Bottle; £13.99, Rude Wines; £14.50, Stainton Wines; £14.59, Connolly’s Wine; £14.99, Old Butcher’s Wine Cellar; £15.45, Penistone Wine Cellars; £15.50 Chester Beer & Wine; £77.70 for 6, winedirect.co.uk