Top Rated: Chardonnay

Chardonnay is at a crackerjack point in its history and the chardonnay category this year was an electrifying bracket to judge. There is now no reason to drink any Australian chardonnay other than a world-class one.

The Padthaway region has a proud history of great chardonnay growing but even so, the achievement here of Landaire at Padthaway Estate cannot be underestimated. This category is a smorgasbord of riches and the Landaire chardonnay is a pearler. The wine to go within a whisker of the Landaire (in the final of three rounds of judging) was Hoddles Creek Estate 1er Chardonnay 2021, though Oakridge’s 864 Single Block Release was the clubhouse leader at the end of the first round. The judging of this category was so tight, that it was tense. Many chardonnays this year would have made worthy winners.

Against the highest of high class fields, this wine won the chardonnay category, and it then went on to win White Wine of the Year. Padthaway chardonnay, take a bow. This is a beautiful wine, complex and neat at once, like a hotel bed, tucked in ultratight but with cushions, pillows and layers aplenty.

2024 Chardonnay of the Year

Landaire at Padthaway Estate Chardonnay 2021, Padthaway

98 points (PD*) | Price when tasted $37

The 2024 Halliday Wine Companion is available now. Secure your copy of Australia's most comprehensive wine guide here – and at all good bookstores.

Learn more about chardonnay.

This is an edited extract from the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion, with reviews by James Halliday, Campbell Mattinson, Dave Brookes, Jane Faulkner, Jeni Port, Mike Bennie, Ned Goodwin MW, Philip Rich and Shanteh Wale. Cover art by Ka Mo.

*Panel decision – score awarded by the Halliday Tasting Team at the annual Awards judging.