Tasting notes:

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)