Julien Schaal Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2019

“I… I was standing. You were there. New and Old Worlds collided… and they made an awesome chardy.”

Ok INXS were right to reject these lyrics for their seminal hit. But we reckon the sentiment here was valid. Julien Schaal and his wife, Sophie, are modern day winemaking magicians. Shortly after completing vintage in their native France, they prepare to pack up and jet off to South Africa where they do it all over again to make their delicious vinos in the southern hemisphere.  

Head buyer, John, says, “Look for a more savoury style, as Julien is sandwiched between the old and new worlds.” Right he is, too. There’s all the New World’s richness of fruit, balanced by Old World texture and poise. To give you a reference point, this could easily be a Yarra chardy from a classy vintage. Cashew and macadamia nuts meet subtle but intense fruit. It’s not too shouty, instead calmly emanating a delightful complexity. Peach granita, lemon butter, melon and Golden Delicious. The palate is silken, mouthfilling and gently textured. The finish, long and scrumptious.   

So there’s your plan of attack, mofo. Grab a box of this unbeatable-value beast to see you through 2020, and keep hold of another for posterity.  

Part of our Women in Wine Collection

We are committed to ALWAYS having wines available that are made by women. In an industry that’s still dominated by men, we believe in celebrating the incredible work women are doing. Here’s to our Women in Wine!

Winemakers: Sophie & Julien Schaal. Sophie’s a Burgundian native as well as a Dijon University graduate, and makes these wines with husband Julien.