The best wines from The Chardonnay Masters 2025

Following the UK’s biggest standalone blind tasting for wines made from the Chardonnay grape, we bring you the top-scoring drops, taking in bottles from Argentina, Australia, Spain, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as Turkey, and – the source of our ultimate expression – California.

As previously reported on in the November issue of the drinks business, this year’s competition drew attention to the quality of Chardonnays from a range of established regions, and some lesser known ones too, although it was the Western Cape that seemed to consistently produce excellent examples at relatively affordable prices, while California wowed at the top end.

So what does Chardonnay deliver for the drinker? In short, our best examples had an appealing palate-weight, which leant towards richness, while remaining refreshing, with barrel-derived flavours that added complexity, rather than overwhelming the fruit-sourced characters.

Now, to find out who made such wines, please scroll down to see our highlights from the competition, which was held on 15 October at COMO The Halkin London.

Meanwhile, please click here to see all the medallists from this year’s competition, which featured over 200 Chardonnays from around the world.

DE WETSHOF ESTATE LESCA CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: De Wetshof Estate
• Region: Robertson, Western Cape
• Country: South Africa
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• BV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 3.5g/l
• Approx. retail price: £17

In the 1970s De Wetshof was the first registered wine estate in the Robertson Wine Valley, and has since become known internationally as South Africa’s signature Chardonnay house. This example explains why. Very pale lemon-yellow in colour, the aromas exude lovely orchard fruits overlaid with gently smoky oak and lemon and orange blossom accents. The pristine, linear palate shows racy acidity and good concentration in a pretty, elegant style. Good value and perfect for a typical Chinese dim sum lunch. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

ST LEGER WINES CHARDONNAY 2022

• Producer: St Leger Wines
• Region: Elgin
• Country: South Africa
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 13%
• Residual sugar: 2.3g/l
• Approx. retail price: £23

St Leger is a small winery in the Constantia area within the confines of a small homestead known as Le Marais (swamp land). The grapes for this exquisite Chardonnay, however, are grown on the clay-rich topsoil and granite sub-soils in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley with Elgin’s cool climate. Barrel-fermented and then aged in French oak barrels and terracotta amphorae, the pale lemon-green-coloured wine shows melon, pear and green apple with creamy oak and a touch of lees. Mid-weight, the palate is beautifully integrated with bracing acidity adding backbone and length. A good pairing is sole Véronique. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

D’ARENBERG THE LUCKY LIZARD CHARDONNAY 2022

• Producer: d’Arenberg
• Region: Adelaide Hills
• Country: Australia
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 13%
• Residual sugar: <5g/l
• Approx. retail price: £24

One of Australia’s First Families of Wine, d’Arenberg does things the natural way: using organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking practices, basket pressing, foot-treading (for reds), no fining or filtration. The wine, medium yellow-gold in hue, displays yellow plums and ripe apple fruit with a lime accent and toasty oak notes. The mid-weight palate is creamy-textured and beautifully balanced with fresh acidity balancing the flavours. A minty nuance means it would work well with Asian-inspired cuisine. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

SPRINGFIELD ESTATE MÉTHODE ANCIENNE CHARDONNAY 2021

• Producer: Springfield Estate
• Region: Robertson, Western Cape
• Country: South Africa
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 2.4g/l
• Approx. retail price: £30

The farm has been owned by the Bruwer family since 1898 and the current winegrowers are ninth-generation descendants of French Huguenots who brought vines to South Africa from their Loire Valley home in 1688. Perhaps a little Burgundy Chardonnay made its way into South Africa with those original vines? Pale lemon-green in hue, the wine exhibits tropical fruit salad with lime and vanilla pod accents. Racy acidity holds the palate and the wine shows vibrant fruit, layers of flavour and a lovely creamy texture. A really attractive style that is a perfect match for pan-seared chicken with spicy Thai red pepper sauce. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

JOURNEY’S END DESTINATION CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: Journey’s End,
• Region: Stellenbosch,
• Country: South Africa
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 3.9g/l,
• Approx. retail price: £30

Journey’s End was started in 1996 by the Gabb family, originally from Shropshire in the UK. Nestled in the Schapenberg Hills, the vineyard soil is 350 million-year-old decomposed granite, perfect for grape growing. This wine, pale lemon-coloured, displays yellow plum, peach and guava fruit with accents of forest honey and smoky oak. The spicy palate has good density and crisp acidity, with a little phenolic grip giving extra structure. Lingering and quite rich, the wine will match roast pork loin stuffed with mushrooms and onions. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE BANGHOEK CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: Delaire Graff Estate
• Region: Banghoek
• Country: South Africa
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 3.1g/l
• Approx. retail price: £34

The Banghoek (‘Scary Corner’) Valley is home to the Delaire Graff Estate and this wine comes from the steep slopes there. Very pale lime-green in colour, the nose is highly aromatic, showing green apple, apricot and white cherry with gentle vanilla and honeysuckle notes. Linear in style, the palate flavours are concentrated and framed by brisk acidity. Layered, textured and complex, this wine will be a delicious foil for dove in a cream-redcurrant jelly sauce. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

WHALEHAVEN SEASCAPE RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2023

• Producer: Whalehaven,
• Region: Hemel-en-Aarde,
• Country: South Africa
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 3.2g/l,
• Approximate retail price: £35

Initially quite restrained, this wine slowly, gently, beautifully unfurls, like a white rose in the morning sun. The nose has ripe lemon and grapefruit zest overlaying melon, pineapple and a hint of vanilla, with complex lees aromas. On the palate it is dry, fresh and precise, with a rounded textural complexity. The finish is long and layered with a juicy lemon lift and elegant creaminess. Intense, expressive and beautifully defined. (Siobhan Turner MW)

LOWESTOFT ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: Lowestoft Estate Tasmania
• Region: Tasmania
• Country: Australia
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 0g/l
• Approx. retail price: £35

Around the mid-1840s, local politician and entrepreneur Thomas Lowes bought land near Hobart and established a small vineyard. In 1848 his wine won first prize at the Hobart Horitcultural Society Show. About the same time in the mid-19th century, the Fogarty family arrived in Tasmania. Six generations later, the Fogarty Wine Group purchased the Lowestoft homestead to continue the great tradition of delectable wines. This mid-weight Chardonnay, pale lemon in colour, shows golden apples, buttercream and oatmeal, braced by lively acidity and judicious spice from French oak. It would make an excellent pairing for pumpkin ravioli with crisp-fried basil. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

GLENWOOD VINEYARDS GRAND DUC CHARDONNAY 2023

• Producer: GlenWood Vineyards,
• Region: Franschhoek,
• Country: South Africa
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 14.5%
• Residual sugar: 4g/l,
• Approx. retail price: £40

GlenWood is located in the Robertsvlei Valley close to the village of Franschhoek, surrounded by indigenous flora and fauna, and the farm has been awarded WWF Conservation Champion status. This wine has a mid-lemon colour and rich orchard fruits accented by vanilla, butter and acacia honey. Quite full-bodied, the palate shows good depth of flavour, lively acidity and a long finish. A wine that will work well with creamy lobster risotto. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

GIANT STEPS CIRCLE OF FIFTHS CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: Giant Steps,
• Region: Yarra Valley,
• Country: Australia
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 13%
• Residual sugar: 0g/l,
• Approx. retail price: £50

The Circle of Fifths wine range is exclusively blended from Giant Steps single-vineyard sites. Very pale lime-green in hue, this elegant example has lovely orchard fruits and well-integrated, creamy oak. Mid-weight, the palate has great purity and racy acidity. Notes of yellow flowers, gentle honey and white pepper add complexity. Lingering and textured, this wine is a good partner for seared scallops accompanied by samphire. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)

STAND ALONE CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: Salt Rock Wines,
• Region: Elgin,
• Country: South Africa
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 12.7%
• Residual sugar: 1.8g/l,
• Approximate retail price: £18.50

Ripe tropical fruit, Mackintosh apples and creamy vanilla on the nose, with hints of lemon curd tart. The palate is attractive and appealing, very ripe with good integration of the spicy oak. A bold and confident wine, with an attractive, dry finish and fresh acidity balancing the fruit and oak. (Siobhan Turner MW)

TAPANAPPA TIERS VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: Tapanappa
• Region: Adelaide Hills
• Country: Australia
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 14%
• Residual sugar: 0g/l
• Approximate retail price: £37

A very refined nose, with crisp lemon and bright grapefruit zest, overlaid with oak spice. The palate has a bracing tension and textural interest, with freshness and balance, plus focused fruit with elegance and length. Well-integrated, beautifully balanced and deliciously long. (Siobhan Turner MW)

BRANCOTT ESTATE LETTER SERIES O CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: Brancott Estate,
• Region: Marlborough,
• Country: New Zealand
• Grape variety: Chardonnay,
• ABV: 14%
• Residual sugar: 2.4g/l,
• Approximate retail price: £17

Ripe white stone fruit core, with hints of nutmeg and mace, and surprising notes of citrus zest and mirabelle plum underneath a mineral, smoky nose. Very refined palate, with good intensity and great purity and freshness. The finish is long, with excellent depth and a lemony freshness. (Siobhan Turner MW)

CHURCH ROAD GRAND RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2023

• Producer: Church Road,
• Region: Hawke’s Bay,
• Country: New Zealand
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 2.5g/l,
• Approximate retail price: £25

Initially quite reduced, this opens out to an appealing and complex nose, with bright peach and nectarine fruit, with lemon zest, clove and mace underneath. The palate is dry with bright, high acidity, layered with lemon, peaches and cinnamon bark, with hints of hazelnut and cream. The finish is long and delicious, with a textural element. (Siobhan Turner MW)

HACIENDA DE ARÍNZANO CHARDONNAY 2023

• Producer: Arínzano
• Region: Navarra
• Country: Spain
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 0.8g/l
• Approx. retail price: £14

A really good-value Chardonnay from Spain, with a lovely combination of creaminess and ripe yellow stone fruit. Prominent are notes of peach and apricot, followed by a hint of vanilla and then a chalky-textured sensation on the dry, persistent finish. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

EGEO CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: Kavaklıdere Sarapları
• Region: Aegean Region
• Country: Turkey
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 14%
• Residual sugar: 1.1g/l
• Approx. retail price: £13

Proof that fine, affordable Chardonnay can come from varied sources, this Turkish example is an excellent-value example of the grape. Plenty of colour, aromas and flavours feature – notably characters of vanilla cream, peach, juicy lemon, with notes of apricot on the long, mouthwatering finish. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

ST HUGO EDEN VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: St Hugo,
• Region: Barossa,
• Country: Australia
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 0.5g/l,
• Approx. retail price: £20

A serious and fine cool-climate Chardonnay that’s fresh without being too ‘skinny’. Allied to flavours of lemon zest and grapefruit pith are notes of white-fleshed peach and vanilla, followed by appealing characters of charred bread, giving a smoky edge to a persistent and fresh, bone dry finish. Hard to fault, or sip slowly… (Patrick Schmitt MW)

THE PLEDGE OUR BARRELS CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: Le Grand Domaine,
• Region: Western Cape
• Country: South Africa,
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 13.5%,
• Residual sugar: 3.2g/l,

Approx. retail price: £15 A brilliant example of how good – and keenly-priced – South African Chardonnay has become, this wine is bursting with the grape’s positive traits, especially when complemented by barrel ageing. That means a delicious combination of peach and juicy lemon fruit with a touch of zesty grapefruit too, plus an overlay of cream, caramel, then toast, and a touch of matchstick. Mouth-filling yet refreshing – a find. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

STONELEIGH LATITUDE CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: Stoneleigh
• Region: Marlborough
• Country: New Zealand
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 3.5g/l
• Approx. retail price: £13

An outstanding Chardonnay for sub-£15. Beautifully balanced, there is richness and refreshment in equal measure. Leading are characters of juicy citrus, peaches, cream and toast, augmented by more subtle but lingering notes of grilled lemon, hazelnut and a touch of freshly-struck match. A serious and crowd-pleasing Chardonnay that tastes like a wine at least double the price. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

KATHERINE’S VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2023

• Producer: Cambria Estate Winery,
• Region: California,
• Country: USA
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 13.8%
• Residual sugar: <5g/l,
• Approx. retail price: £17

A near-perfect expression of ripe, somewhat old-school Chardonnay – the sort that made the grape so popular – and for a seriously attractive price. That means there’s plenty of ripe yellow fruit, a nice richness, helped by flavours of creamy vanilla, and balanced by refreshing characters of toast and grilled lemon. It’s all there, making it just so appealing and easy to drink. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

KAIKEN ULTRA CHARDONNAY 2023

• Producer: Kaiken,
• Region: Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo
• Country: Argentina,
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 14.1%,
• Residual sugar: <5g/l,
• Approx. retail price: £19

If this affordable fine white wine is anything to go by, don’t underestimate Argentina’s potential to craft serious Chardonnay, alongside world-class Malbec. Mixing a touch of burnt sugar and caramel with lemon zest, ripe orange, even pineapple chunks, this is a complex drop, with ripe, mouth-filling indulgent characters offset by some more mouthwatering citric elements too. Powerful, but persistent and refreshing too. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

CAPENSIS SILENE CHARDONNAY 2023

• Producer: Capensis,
• Region: Western Cape,
• Country: South Africa
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 14.5%
• Residual sugar: 0g/l,
• Approx. retail price: £25

The brilliant ‘second wine’ from South Africa’s high-end Chardonnay maker Capensis, Silene offers a more affordable and absolutely delicious taste of great white wine from the Western Cape. A near-perfect Chardonnay in the leaner style, there is some peachy fruit and a touch of caramel, but dominant are notes of dry toast, fresh lemon and a touch of grapefruit pith, making this a super-sippable and beautiful, bitter-fresh expression of barrel-influenced Chardonnay. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

CONO SUR 20 BARRELS LIMITED EDITION CHARDONNAY 2024

• Producer: Cono Sur Winery,
• Region: Casablanca Valley,
• Country: Chile
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 13.5%
• Residual sugar: 3.4g/l,
• Approx. retail price: £25

A brilliant expression of Chilean Chardonnay using cooler-climate sites in Casablanca, Cono Sur’s 20 Barrels has been a top performer in the premium category in past competitions and continues to impress. Balanced and layered, there is so much to enjoy, all in complementary quantities. That means peach and citrus, toast and cream, marshmallow and crushed chalk, ensuring there’s depth but freshness, sweetness but savoury characters too. And while it’s mouth-filling, the finish is cleansing. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

PENFOLDS YATTARNA 2023

• Producer: Penfolds
• Region: Tumbarumba, Adelaide Hills, Tasmania
• Country: Australia
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
• ABV: 12.5%
• Residual sugar: <5g/l
• Approx. retail price: £135

A subtle Chardonnay, with delicate notes of cream and citrus on the nose, lemon zest, green apple and just a touch of toast. On the palate, it is pristine and finely etched, showing lean, citrus-driven fruit framed by a firm and vibrant acid structure. This is a serious, composed wine, built for longevity rather than early showiness. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

TAPANAPPA TIERS 1.5M VINEYARD 2024

• Producer: Tapanappa,
• Region: Adelaide Hills,
• Country: Australia
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 13.7%
• Residual sugar: 0g/l,
• Approx. retail price: £37

One of the great Chardonnay makers worldwide, Tapanappa manages to craft something delicious from the greatest sites in Adelaide Hills year after year. Toasty aromatics entice, while the palate indulges with initial notes of caramel and pencil shaving, then comes some peach, followed by intense and lingering citrus freshness, with lime juice and lemon zest bringing a cleansing finish to what is a Chardonnay leaning towards a taut style but, thankfully, far from too skinny. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

GRAND MASTER: PLATT VINEYARD ESTATE RESERVE CHARDONNAY WEST SONOMA COAST 2023

• Producer: Platt Vineyard,
• Region: Sonoma Coast,
• Country: USA
• Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay,
• ABV: 14.3%
• Residual sugar: 0g/l,
• Approx. retail price: £185

It’s extremely rare, but sometimes you just can’t find any fault in a wine. And this new expression from AXA Millésimes, named after the vineyard the fruit is sourced from, is pretty much the perfect Chardonnay – a complete wine, albeit in a youthful state. Aromas of grilled lemon, creamy caramel and subtle oak toast lead into a zesty, vibrant palate, rich in ripe, juicy citrus, fresh apple and lemon curd. The texture is spot-on, showing fine phenolics and a beautifully balanced mid-palate viscosity. There’s bite and precision, yet harmony and depth too, ensuring this is appealing to sip now, but also age-worthy – clearly a Chardonnay with a long life of gradual evolution ahead of it. (Patrick Schmitt MW)

About the competition

With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, The Global Chardonnay Masters provides a chance for your wines to shine. The 2025 competition was judged on 15 October at COMO The Halkin London, employing experienced judges. The top wines were awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze medals according to their result, and those expressions that stood out as being outstanding received the ultimate accolades – the titles of Chardonnay Master or Grand Master. This report features medal winners only. Please visit the Global Masters website for more information or, to enter future competitions, with a chance to appear in print and online, call: +44 (0) 20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Aston at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com

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