I’m covering three points on the globe in a trio of reviews today, including a brand new Chardonnay release from Australia, an herbal Sauvignon Blanc from Chile and a mid-weight Syrah from Ontario.

Wakefield Clare Valley/Padthaway Chardonnay 2019 — Southeast Australia ($16.95)
Here’s the bad news about South Australia. Mother Nature baked the region in 2019 and 2020, which led to a crop shortfall in the Clare Valley for Taylors/Wakefield’s Estate Chardonnay. Now here’s the good news: Chief Winemaker Adam Eggins and company have found a delightful recipe in blending Chardonnay grapes from the Padthaway wine region (a few hours south of Adelaide) into the mix.

“The Clare Valley brings varietal flavours based around restrained white nectarine and a lovely quiet shape and line,” Eggins wrote me last week. “Padthaway brings hints of white peach and a tropical lift that I really love too. It adds fruit and life to the Clare base. They definitely complement each other.”

There’s also a little greenness, I think, that will be welcomed by those who aren’t traditionally Chardonnay lovers in this well-priced, medium-bodied wine—green banana, green pineapple, cashews—as well as minerality. There’s also a lovely texture and soft finish with only a mild pull of oak.

If you’ve stored it in the fridge, this is one of those wines that benefits greatly—both in aromas and in its finish—from sitting 20 minutes at room temperature before being served. And it’s a great fit for lobster, turkey or chicken, while being sippable on its own.

Sadly, the weather gods have plagued the region again, with strong winds whipping vineyards just as the fruit begins to develop on the vine, “so we may be on this blend for several vintages,” Eggins adds, “which I am not too worried about, because the blend works well.”

On LCBO shelves tomorrow. 89

Creekside Syrah 2019 — Jordan Station, Ontario ($15.95)
Sourced from a trio of vineyards near Niagara-on-the-Lake, laid down for nine months on oak and bottled six months ago, Creekside’s entry-level Syrah still seems young and in need of time to breathe and open, so decant—or better yet, give it another six months to a year in the bottle.

From winemaker Rob Power, who sorta does good-value Syrah in his sleep, there’s the bold pepper and spice you’d expect of Creekside Syrah, as well as menthol, cedar chest and raspberry/red currant on the nose. On the tongue, look for earthy red currants and blackberries. It’s medium bodied at the most, but well pieced together. Tannins are firm but not overpowering.

Solid value. And the winery currently has a huge sale on a case—$36 off, meaning just $12.95 apiece! 88

San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2018 — Leyda Valley, Chile ($18.95)
If you prefer a fruity Sauvignon Blanc, well, this is probably not for you. But if you’re into entertaining a green, vegetal, herbaceous and summer-fresh Sauv Blanc, you need to give this a try from Chile’s San Pedro winery.

There’s a tomato stalk and herbal lemongrass mix on the nose with a hint of passionfruit. The palate is defined by a silky smooth texture that still possesses a vibrant acidity—no doubt influenced by the vineyards’ proximity of the Pacific Ocean. 89