The 2008 Chardonnay Eleve en Fut de Chene spent 8-10 months in oak, with frequent stirring of the fine lees. This is an absolutely gorgeous, creamy Chardonnay that impresses for its elegance and class. Deceptively medium in body, the wine grows in the glass, showing quite a bit of richness, along with pretty notes of flowers, mint and sage that add complexity. The finish is long and finessed. This is a terrific effort from Anselmet. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016. Importer: Small Vineyards, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 933-6767

The 2006 Chardonnay is an intriguing wine with pretty, layered notes of ripe, honeyed fruit, flowers, minerals and sweet toasted oak. This rich, fully-flavored yet mid-weight Chardonnay offers notable balance and a long clean finish. The wine is already rather forward and while it doesn’t look to be built for long-term aging, it is drinking beautifully today. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011.I was very impressed with the wines I tasted from Anselmet, a small estate located in the Valle d’Aosta, one of Italy’s most rugged regions. The high-end reds in particular are of note. Anselmet favors small French barrels for their top reds, but the wines have so much stuffing the oak is barely perceptible.Importer: Small Vineyards, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 933-6767