The 2009 CHARDONNAY “HOULEVENA VINEYARD” is a single vineyard chard fermented in stainless steel tanks, kept on the lees for 3 months, coming in at 13% alcohol. Pointed, focused and deeper than its Gerakofolia sibling reviewed this issue, it has some intensity on the finish, if not quite the laid back appeal. It is a nice performance for this Greek chard, and once again my favorite of the submissions in that grape from this winery, although I don’t think I like it quite as much as the ‘08. 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