The Auswine Forum

Hi all

I've recently been fortunate enough to enjoy a 1996 and 1998 Happs chardonnay. A friend of mine was influential enough to convince the CD to sell these non-for-sale show only wines.

While i'm predominately a red drinker i'd have to say these 2 whites are the best wines i've had in the last 2 1/2 years (i really havent had any ultimate wines yet).

Both were quite dark golden, beginning with a perfectly balanced and integrated oak introduction, followed by a slightly buttery mouth feel and finishing with a sumptously long and full heavy load of sweet flavoursome fruit.

1996 just slightly longer and more enjoyable than the 1998.

The question is: can anyone recommend some current vintage (available chardonnays) that i could cellar and would likely to develop in a similar style/way that these have? The reason i ask is that the jist i get is that the direction chardonnay is heading is away from these styles but surely some are still made for this intended consumption in some years to come.

If anyone has any ideas id would be very pleased as i myself have no idea! Tasting notes coming out today talk about minerality and acid which i aren't too rapped on.

Heaps of thanks in advance cheers all!

I recently tried a Woodlands Chloe vs a couple of Bannockburns at a great boozy dinner (notes are here somewhere...).
I found the Chloe a bit too oaky and buttery for my tastes, but it was quite popular. You may like to try it, as it may be what you are looking for.

Pierro has always been known for its full blown chardi. Been pegged back a little in recent years but one of the more buttery chardis from down south. Price is up there though!