Petaluma, White Label Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2021

Petaluma is one of Australia's famous names for cool-climate Chardonnay, and with this wine demonstrates that Aussie Chardonnays can strike an accomplished balance – even at this price level – between freshness and delicacy, and richness of flavour. The grapes that went into this were grown in the cool Adelaide Hills region, and fermented in a mix of French oak barriques, hogsheads and stainless steel, followed by partial malolactic fermentation to add a creamy roundness. It's modern in style, with fresh stone fruit flavours, some creamy, toasty spice and a hint of struck-match character adding interest. Would be a great match for roast chicken.