The Buitenverwachting 2006 Chardonnay displays an expressive nose of pear drops, vanilla, and toasted almond. Effectively balancing sap and freshness of fruit against the toasty but potentially drying effects of 90% new Allier barriques, it offers a richly textured, lightly caramelized and faintly bitter finish.Importer: Cape Classics, New York, NY; tel. (212) 686-1300

From the region renowned for producing regal whites, this Chardonnay impresses. A nose balancing poised fruit and crisp minerality unfolds into classic Chardonnay flavors of toasted oak, spice and creamy fruit. The texture is mouthfilling but not overly buttery. A very good choice for an elegant table.——S.K.(11/15/2008)—— 87