Shaun Crinion’s Dappled Appellation Chardonnay is a benchmark for value in the Yarra Valley, blending fruit from top sites across both the upper and lower valley. Sourced from vineyards in Macclesfield, Steels Creek, Seville and St Andrews, the wine draws on multiple clones to reflect a full picture of the region. Hand-picked and foot-crushed, the juice is wild fermented in mostly old French oak with minimal intervention and 10 months on lees. It’s a beautifully balanced Chardonnay, showing white peach, citrus blossom, cashew and flint, with a textured palate lifted by a fine line of pink grapefruit acidity. Elegant and focused, this is smart, modern Yarra Valley Chardonnay at a sharp price.