Green Point, Yarra Valley (Victoria, Australia) Chardonnay Reserve 2004

($30, Moet Hennessy USA): In the mid-1980s, Moët & Chandon, the world largest Champagne producer, established their outpost in Australia 30 miles east of Melbourne in the Yarra Valley in the state of Victoria.  In addition to Australian sparkling wines, Moët makes stylish still wines under the Green Point label.  Similar to the state of Western Australia at the other end of the continent, Victoria is a cool climate area in terms of viticulture.  Reflecting the climate, Green Point’s Reserve Chardonnay, a bottling of their best batches, has bright acidity to balance the mouth-filling richness and subtle toastiness from oak aging. 89 Michael Apstein Feb 20, 2007