The 2009 CHARDONNAY “GERAKOFOLIA VINEYARD” is a single vineyard chard fermented in stainless steel tanks, coming in at just 12.5% alcohol. Gentle, compact and well constructed, it has a clean, laid back palate that makes it rather appealing after some of this winery’s oaky chards. There was some funk on the nose, though, which I thought might be a trace of reduction. It is not yet imported into the USA. Drink now-2012. Hatzimichalis makes a wide variety of brands, and dabbles extensively in international grapes like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. They have a pretty nice touch with those grapes—although I thought their Chards were a bit better in the last round of reviews. I’m sure they will take flack for their focus on international grapes rather than indigenous ones. The lower level wines are usually very nice values, though. Some of the prestige labels, some of which are not imported, are usually single vineyard wines and can struggle to justify their extra cost.Importer: Athenee Importers & Distributors LTD., Hempstead, N.Y.; tel: (516) 505-4800