Just to make a disclaimer – I have always loved these wines and have listed them in many a restaurant or pub list as they consistently punch well above their weight for price point – this tasting was no different. Oh and by the way as I also love chardonnay, this was pure joy.

2020 Domaine Naturaliste Discovery Chardonnay
92 Points – RRP $25

A lifted and pretty chardonnay nose, showcasing youthful white floral notes and a lovely roundness from fruit ripeness, while chalky minerality and pithy phenolics reign in the stone fruit generosity. Mealy and moreish with juicy acid and hints of savoury oak that give way to a dry finish. Quality winemaking has crafted a wine that sees both barrel fermentation and regular batonnage to create texture, weight and juicy accessibility. Drink now.

2020 Domaine Naturaliste Floris Chardonnay
90 Points – RRP $33

The Floris shows more density of style with the perfumed aromas of sandalwood and white floral notes which help to emphasise the increased weight and complexity of style. Tight and focused crystalline acid with sweet vanilla and white peach compote adds fruit weight to the mid palate. The vanillin perfumed oak and sweet brioche flavours showcase an elevation of style, whilst the pithy, yeasty complexity on the palate, seen by brown spice and bakery nuances, add depth to the fruit and oak profile.

2020 Domaine Naturaliste Purus Chardonnay
96 Points – RRP $53

Hallmarks of the vintage are seen in this wine from the small bunches of concentrated fruit. Intense stuck match and gravel notes are honed by taut grapefruit where the savoury dominates.  Wet slate and fine boned fruit characters of white nectarine and green pear add layers to this complex, textural wine. Vibrant acid supports a classy, complex and complete wine, that will just get better over time. Loving the savoury solids notes and intensity of oak.

2020 Domaine Naturaliste Artus Chardonnay
97 Points – RRP $53

I love the delicacy of the Artus, that is all about restraint and finesse, more elegant and lady-like, yet shows a lovely undercurrent of gravel and smoky minerality without the volume and concentration of the Purus. Mid palate is round with a silky touch and an acid drive that tightens the structure like a corset. The solids and oak are classy, integrated with textural complexity and pristine pure fruit, think grapefruit and golden delicious apples. Long and fine, it drinks well now but will also get better with time; another very classy chardonnay from the Naturaliste stable.