AUSTRALIA

CHARDONNAY

91 Stella Bella 2017 Otro Vino Chardonnay (Margaret River). The Stella Bella range of wines are almost always highly drinkable yet unforced, and offering great value for money and this Chard is no exception. On the nose, this offers delicate aromas of sea breeze, orange peel, lemon and nuts. On the palate there’s a refreshing crunch of acidity and shimmering citrusy fruit balanced by a slippery texture and a long, salt-rimmed finish that makes you want to crack this open over a plate of seafood perched beside the sea. Little Peacock Imports. Editors’ Choice. —C.P.

abv: 12.4% Price: $25

91 Streicker 2017 Ironstone Chardonnay (Margaret River). Classic modern Margaret River in style, this starts a touch reductively but those onion-skin notes dissipate quickly in glass, replaced by grapefruit, lemon, melon, flint and oyster-shell aromas. The palate offers bright citrus, saline and toasty oak flavors amidst a creamy texture and a long salty finish. Margaret River Imports. —C.P.

abv: 13% Price: $35

This Chard needs plenty