The 2010 Chardonnay “Liza,” aged in French oak for 12 months, seems rather too oaky early on, with a marked creme caramel finish, but there is some acidity in there and it finishes a lot better than it starts. It is quite pleasant and has more persistence than its early impressions lead one to believe, but is ultimately a bit stately and reserved. The oak may yet integrate a bit and it needs to do so. Pricing has not as yet been set for this, but I am advised that it will be available in the USA. Drink now-2014. Importer: Royal Wine Corp., Bayonne, N.J.; tel. (718) 534-0118

The 2006 CHARDONNAY LIZA seems a bit too well oaked, with 50% new French oak for 14 months, but there is bright fruit bubbling underneath demanding to be released. The acidity cuts through the oak finally, which is a welcome event, but it does have a bit of a disjointed, sour lemon nuance, creating some issues of its own. Drink now-2011. Alexander is an under-the-radar pick for those looking beyond the most familiar Israeli names. “The Great” series is a premium, late released wine. The latest release of that brand is the 2005 Cabernet; the 2006 will not be released until next year. The Grand Reserve is one step above it—late released and produced only in exceptional years. Although Israeli wines as a group provide relatively few bargains, there are some decent price to quality ratios here for the low and mid-level wines. Many will be about as happy with the regular Reserves as with the upper level wines. More or less unknown in the USA due to its lack of an importer until recently, this winery has some potential. Not all of these may be available quite yet. Prices given are estimates of what they will be in the marketplace—they may yet change.Importer: Bayfield Importing, Long Island City, N.Y.; tel: (718) 482-0200.