The 2005 Chardonnay “Frasca’s Lane Vineyard” is sourced from the little-known cool climate region of King Valley in Victoria, located near Melbourne. The wine was aged for 15 months in new and one-year-old French oak. Light gold-colored, it has a sophisticated bouquet of mineral, baked apple, peach, nectarine, and poached pear. Medium to full-bodied, there are gobs of savory fruit, superb depth, lively acidity, and a 45-second finish. If this wine said Sonoma Coast on the label, you would pay triple the price. Nugan Estate produces 550,000 cases of wine and has 519 hectares of estate fruit under vine. They are the 13th largest exporter of Australian wine. As this portfolio of wines attest, they continue to focus on quality from top to bottom.Importer: Ken Onish and John Gorman, Southern Starz; tel. (714) 892-3030 Also tasted: 2005 Alcira Cabernet Sauvignon (84)

Shows lively acidity behind the toasty pear flavors. Zingy and bright. The finish lingers well. Drink now. 3,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Victoria / King Valley Select to Add