Dominique Portet 2022 Chardonnay 'Single Vineyard'

Yarra Valley Chardonnay in general lean towards Australian benchmarks for this variety.

They're refined, clean, long finishing wines of superior quality, none so much as Dominique Portet's.

At this price point, it's almost unbeatable.

Portet has made wine at his eponymous winery for over 30 years. He knows his sites, picks the best fruit and creates wines of outstanding finesse. Trust a Frenchman to give us an Aussie Mâcon because this is what he's done. Heard of Pouilly-Fuissé? Here's a local version.

It has all the classic characters: white peach, melon fruity richness, racy acidity, a finish that outlasts the day, complexity on the order of a space mission and an abundance of nuance.

The obvious pairing is a fish like John Dory with a buerre blanc sauce. Or prawns sautéed in garlic and cream. Or Coquilles St Jacques. Or your best buttery pasta vongole. Or roast chicken with mushroom duxelles stuffing. Or a simple veal schnitzel with fried potatoes.

To be honest, you could almost ruin a piece of battered flathead and this wine would make it taste better.