Clairault Chardonnay 2012 (Margaret River, WA)

I miss full bodied Chardonnay. In the race for ‘minerality’ and ‘freshness’ it seems Australian Chard has pushed aside flavour all too often.

Not this wine though, Fitting with the Clairault style – which has always been (good) old school, authentic Margs – it manages to balance nutty, peachy fruit and vanilla oak with that modern grapefruit acidity. Old meets new.

It’s a little toasty and the oak a fraction chippy but the impact and length are what you’d want in a $27 Margaret River Chard.

Details: 12.5%, Screwcap, $27

Source: Sample, tasted Dec 14/

Drink: 2014-2018