Tyrrell's Hunter Valley Moon Mountain Chardonnay 2012

If this wine were a dancer it would come on stage an drive the crowd insane with delight before the main act. In this case, the main act is the Tyrrell's Vat 47 Chardonnay. As much as I loved that wine, I totally understand that not everyone's budget can stretch that far ($70). Step in and step up the understudy the Moon Mountain.

Talk about bang for buck! For less than a third of the price of the Vat 47, this will put a big smile on the dial.

A blend of fruit from various Tyrrell's vineyards, some hand picked, some machine harvested. The youngest vines contributing are fifteen years old. Some lees stirring and a mix of new to three year old French oak were used for eight months.

And the taste? Damn good! Ever so judicious use of oak which sits beautifully behind delicious fresh fruit. Flavours are generous and superbly balanced. Acid is soft with an impressive length to finish.

Wine lovers are coming back to Chardonnay and this is yet another reason why.

For twenty bucks, load up! Something I'd happily buy hands down.

Who: Tyrrell's Wines
What: Chardonnay (12.5% alc)

Where: Hunter Valley

When: 2012

How: $19.99

www.tyrrells.com.au