Australian 1st Class Chardonnay: A Symphony of Elegance and Distinction

Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted and versatile white grape varieties globally, known for producing a diverse range of wines. The grape has adapted well to different climates and terroirs, resulting in a wide range of styles.

In 2023, Chardonnay is trending upwards on major lists in Australia, including the 8th edition of the Langtons Classification, 2023 Halliday Wine Companion and Wine Ark's list of Australia's Top 50 Most Collected Wines of 2023. These findings suggest a distinct rise in the popularity of Chardonnay wines in Australia, accompanied by a noteworthy growth in collection quantities.

JC Fine Wine is here with a round-up of the three Chardonnays that are rated as Langtons 1st Classified. There are a total of 21 wines in Lambton First Class, three of which are Chardonnay wines, namely GIACONDA Estate Vineyard Chardonnay, LEEUWIN ESTATE Art Series Chardonnay, and PENFOLDS Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay.

1. GIACONDA Estate Vineyard Chardonnay, Beechworth

Giaconda's Chardonnay typically ranks among Australia's stratospheric best, with their ability to give Burgundy a run for its money.

The legendary Giaconda Estate Vineyard Chardonnay is renowned for its precision, generosity, extraordinary mineral structure and long-lasting quality. Established in Beechworth by engineer Rick Kinzbrunner, this south-facing vineyard, shielded from direct sun, offers a unique terroir. The vines are organically grown at 400 meters and thrive on mineral-rich granitic loam over gravel and clay soils. The grapes are hand-picked on cool mornings, then gently pressed and fermented in French oak barrels, and aged for 20 months in underground granite caves with stable humidity and temperature. Winemaking intuition and a deep connection to nature have ensured this Chardonnay's high status in Australian winemaking.

Critics Tasting note: "A rich, toasty style, this vintage is gorgeously aromatic right off the bat, with concentrated melon, stone fruit, smoke, oyster shell and buttered toast, revealing polished oak. In the mouth, the flavors ricochet with intensity and richness. Beautifully balanced with length and poise, this is an indulgent wine now, but could cellar gracefully for another 12-15 years."

2. LEEUWIN ESTATE Art Series Chardonnay, Margaret River

Leeuwin Estate's Art Series Chardonnay is a symbol of enduring Margaret River craftsmanship. Established in 1969 from a cattle farm with guidance from Robert Mondavi, Leeuwin Estate, home to the iconic Gin Gin clone, has played a pivotal role in shaping Margaret River's chardonnay lineage. Leeuwin's pristine fruit and meticulous winemaking set the standard for regional excellence, influencing fellow producers. The Art Series, adorned with commissioned artworks, represents opulence and ageability. Grown in moderate Mediterranean conditions on gravelly soils, handpicked fruit undergoes fermentation in new French oak, maturing for 11 months, with bâttonage enhancing texture and complexity. 

Critics Tasting note: "A gentle mealiness and creamy almond quality rather than anything overtly toasty, there is a little buttery Brazil nut beneath, but also a certain coolness to the fruit, a hint of tangerine to peach and ripe pear. In the mouth it is medium-bodied and has very good freshness, the acid sparky and streaked with lime, that cuts through more buttery and tropical fruit flavours. Again there's salinity, and that plus the zesty citrus gives this fine definition, with a bit of grip too."

3. PENFOLDS Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay,South Eastern Australia

Penfolds Bin 144 Yattarna Chardonnay is newly upgraded to 1st Classified from previous Outstanding class. It epitomizes sophistication and character, showcasing the excellence of modern Australian winemaking. Sourced from Adelaide Hills, Derwent Valley, and occasionally Victoria, its complexity stems from diverse vineyards and climates, highlighting Penfolds' dedication to quality. A genuine representation of evolving Australian Chardonnay, Bin 144 Yattarna exudes Burgundian elegance, aged in French oak barrels (50% new) for a harmonious blend of toasty, vanilla-oak notes and vibrant fruit flavors. It stands as a remarkable example of contemporary Australian Chardonnay craftsmanship.

Critics Tasting note: "Light smoky oaky notes dominate the nose and palate with apricots and citrus fruits on the finish, very complex bouquet. Tightly woven and complex, fine white fruit nuances, fresh vineyard peach, toasted hazelnut, fine acidity, saline finish, excellent length, will develop further, definite ageing potential."

Australia's top Chardonnays certainly don't stop at these three, with a host of long-standing and newly arrived Chardonnays in the Lambton Classification. These include Moss Wood Chardonnay, VASSE FELIX Heytesbury Chardonnay, BASS PHILLIP Premium Chardonnay, and many more.

There is always something for everyone. Come and discover a wide range of fine wines at JC Fine Wines!