Domenica Chardonnay 2017

Beechworth is the home to many great Australian Chardonnays, and I mean great. Its mix of cooler climate, thanks to the nearby Snowy Mountains, good sun exposure plus granite soils come together to make generous but also refined Chardonnay. No wimpy lean Chardonnay here, just beautifully pure wines that can go the distance.

Domenica is one of the new breed of rising stars in the region, and there are plenty of them. Beechworth is a bit of a hotbed of experimentation although winemaker Peter Graham’s 13 years at Giaconda makes him no spring chicken. That experience shines through in this cracking Chardonnay.

It is pale gold and classic Beechworth. Instantly explosive and incredibly complex, it shows aromas of melon, citrus, tangerine and oak spice with a gunflint edge. It is then dry and mouthfilling, not overly acidic but still beautifully balanced with a moreish creamy texture. There is also super balance of youthful tight fruit on the palate that sings with a long and silky finish. Stunning and one of the best value Chardonnays in the country. Worth hunting down or contacting Peter here to score some.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Critic and publisher