Penfolds Chardonnay Reserve Bin 04A

Under screw cap, last one. From the elegant end of the aussie chard spectrum, this was cellared for a decade to see what would happen. Result? After a little air, not far off our last tasting note. Couldn't in all honesty say it's faded much. Less sweetness and more minerality perhaps? Still poised though. Lovely mouthfeel, lingering finish with a touch of warm spice. A very classy wine to see out the old year.

Wonderful, subtle and pleasant. Ripe nectarine and apricot dominate with creamy undertones bolstered by some minor toasty hints. Also some minor spice and gentle oak. Very nice, very relaxed, very easy and very quaffable. The wine is near it's end but showing that wonderful swansong that one sometimes gets. Lovely

Pale to mid straw. Elegant nose of tropical fruit tempered by a smokiness and minerality. Creamy fruit, a touch of butter and toasted hazelnut, decent balancing acidity, moderate weight and long finish. This is good and at the elegant end of the Ozzie spectrum. ***1/2

Absolutely lovely. Everything I'd expect from a top-end Aussie Chardonnay. Good tropical fruit, butter and toasty oak with nice weight. Reckon It'll keep a while too.

Caroline's bash (Windsor) : Obviously similar to the Meursault, but with half a degree more of everything except elegance. Nice weight and richness, the fruit a little more tropical, but the extra alcohol nicely in balance. A nice creamy lift to the finish. Really quite classy, on a brief taste this seemed ready. ***1/2

Oaky, forceful, balanced, 'sweet' fruit, medium /full. Very long. Drink sooner rather than later.

Pale gold. Toffee apple nose. Peach and citrus fruits, a bright acidic core with a nutty butterscotch finish. A well balanced wine with more elegance and poise than expected. Excellent and should go a few years yet.