The 2007 Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay was fermented in French oak after which it spent 9 months in new French oak. The wine was not put through malolactic fermentation. It displays a bouquet of toasty oak, minerals, pear, baked apples and baking spices. Medium-bodied with vibrant natural acidity, this well-balanced Chardonnay will drink well for 5-6 years. Leeuwin Estate is one of the icon wineries of Western Australia and their Artist Series Chardonnay is an annual contender for Australia’s best. Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com

Open-textured, polished and generous with its white peach–scented pear and green pineapple flavors, lingering gently but persistently. Drink now through 2015. 800 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Western Australia / Margaret River Select to Add

Exotic and intriguing, with an intense apple, pear and beeswax character that gives over to vanilla and caramel from toasty new oak. Winds up with a unique malted milk note. Really well done and original. Drink now to 2012. ——W.E.(6/1/2010)—— 89