2011 Robert Oatley, Chardonnay, Margaret River, Western Australia (£13.00, Oddbins). Bob Oatley is a very serious businessman – I believe he is the 25th richest chap in Australia, too. He started Rosemount Estates (you will have seen the wines many times I am sure), and he was also the mastermind behind the merger with Penfolds many years ago. He owns a luxury resort on Hamilton Island, on the Great Barrier Reef, and his yacht, Wild Oats XI, has taken line honours in the Sydney to Hobart race five times! He took a few years off from the wine business while continuing to grow grapes at his home in Mudgee but has recently released a stunning range of wines under his own name, sourced from the finest regions in Australia. His Signature Series of wines is made by the massively talented Larry Cherubino. Both the Shiraz and Chardonnay have found a home at Oddbins and they are very accomplished pieces of work. Totally over-engineered for the price point (as you might expect from a man of such drive and exacting standards), this week’s wine is categorically the best value Margaret River Chardonnay I have ever tasted. If you love Aussie Chardonnay, look no further this week. The rest of the range will make it over here soon and I will let you know where they moor up.
