Readers looking for full blast Chardonnay with copious quantities of tropical fruit as well as lavish toasty, bacon fat-scented new oak should check out Bannockburn's 1997 Chardonnay. Although not a good value, it offers abundant fruit and glycerin as well as a flamboyant personality. Drink it over the next year.Imported by The Australian Premium Wine Collection, John Larchet, USA Wine West, LLC, San Rafael, CA; phone: (800)-485-5753 and Chicago Brands, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 466-9300.

Rich, ripe and smoky, top-heavy with exulting aromas and flavors of pear, pineapple, apricot, honey and toast, all balanced on a pinpoint of lacy acidity. Harmonious and elegant; tempting to drink soon but it feels like it can age gracefully. Drink now through 2007. 50 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Victoria / Geelong Select to Add