Margan 2016 Chardonnay, $18
When you think of the years of love that go into tending the vines that produce all the amazing wines we drink, you start to get a different perspective on their value for money. Think of this lovely Chardonnay, for example, from a stellar Hunter Valley producer. The grapes were picked from low-yielding, 50-year-old vines – which makes the wine’s $18 price tag very good value indeed. Grown in ancient volcanic soils in Broke Fordwich, a special little sub-region of the Hunter, the vines produce nicely concentrated fruit. Coupled with partial fermentation in new French oak, the result is a nicely balanced, easy drinking wine with apple and stonefruit notes and a pleasant creaminess. We enjoyed it with pan-seared salmon.
