The 2009 CHARDONNAY, part of Recanati’s Diamond Label brand, is clean and pleasant, fruity and sweet (in a fruity sense), a nice and well priced entrant in this lineup. At its price point, you won’t expect it to offer a lot of finish and concentration, but it is tasty, drinks well and shows nicely. Just drink it as fresh as possible. Drink now-2012. The Recanati ‘08s (some of which have been previously reviewed) will not be imported into the USA, the importer advises, in that it is a Shmitta year (see the short article at connected with this issue). Recanati’s interesting wines tend to start with the Reserves. The Diamond Label series is well priced and pleasant enough, but limited in structure and concentration. In fairness, there is a limit to what you can ask of wines in that price range, but assume that brand level is for immediate consumption and uncomplicated drinking. The name comes from the Diamond icon on the label, pointing at the Recanati name.Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, N.Y.; tel: (516) 721-5123.

Soft chalk and white florals add interest to the bouquet of this Chard. The mouth is more typical with flavors of mushy peach, mealy red apple and sweet Clementine citrus. A creamy texture veers toward feeling a bit fat, but the finish is clean. Drink now. ——L.B.(4/1/2011)—— 85