NORTHERN Burgundy's classic French white made from Chardonnay grapes often disappoints at this sort of price with weak, characterless efforts.

This award-winning example will however please those who like their Chablis to have a mineral edge and identifiable apple and sage tastes.

The clay-limestone soils of the appellation provide a subtlety not found in many Aussie Chardonnays.

LAROCHE CHABLIS 2005, £7.49, Sainsburys.