Calmel & Joseph Villa Blanche CHARDONNAY 2025

Pale gold in the glass with a bright, slightly green tinged rim. On the nose it offers crisp orchard fruit; green apple, white peach with lemon zest and a whisper of stone fruit. There’s a mineral undercurrent, crushed limestone, faint flint and a subtle floral lift (something like acacia or white blossom) plus a soft background of toasted oak or warm vanilla. The palate is medium to full with vibrant acidity that brings freshness. Fruit is clean and pure: citrus and peach maybe a touch of apricot. The oak is present but well integrated adding creaminess without overwhelming the fruit. The minerality cuts through, giving a chalky texture, and the finish is long, elegant with saline tension and lingering citrus and stone notes. This is a wine with both immediacy and capacity to evolve over a few years.

Phenomenally good Aussie Chardonnay at this entry level price.

Aromas and flavours of pears with hints of flowers and ginger spice, together with a creaminess and richness derived from the lees. This crisp, unoaked style of Chardonnay has a clean and dry finish

Pale straw with green tinged highlights. On the nose there is an elegant mix of white flowers, lemon zest, green apple and a thread of crushed stone or slate minerality backed by subtle oak spice—vanilla, a touch of toast. The palate is medium to medium full with fresh citrus and orchard fruit (pear, apple) framed by creamy texture from lees ageing. The oak is present but well integrated: it adds depth without overwhelming. A crisp, mineral acidity lends lift and the finish is long, clean with lingering stone fruit and citrus peel alongside a gentle salinity and a subtle nut/almond note. Lovely balance; enjoyable now but capable of further development over a few more years.