The 2007 Chardonnay went through malolactic fermentation and spent 9 months in new French oak. Toasty, tropical aromas give way to a ripe, creamy textured wine with spicy flavors, good balance, and moderate length. Drink it over the next 3 years.Importer: Pasternak Wines, Harrison, NY; tel. (800) 946-3110

Simple but fresh, with mild lemon and melon aromas propped up by a kiss of oak. The palate is plump, fruity and melony, with toasted corn and baked apple nuances. Comes together well. ——M.S.(2/1/2009)—— 87

For Argentinean Chardonnay this has chops. The nose is fleshy and ripe, with pineapple, candy corn and peach scents. In the mouth, there’s verve and balance to support apple, pear, cantaloupe and green-herb flavors. In a purely New World way it manages to blend fleshy fruit and drying white tannins into a pleasurable whole. ——M.S.(11/1/2008)—— 88

The 2005 Chardonnay was aged for 9 months in French oak, 50% new. It gives off a moderately intense bouquet of mineral, pear, and apple leading to a smoothly textured Chardonnay with additional notes of citrus and peach emerging on the palate. Nicely balanced and straightforward, it should be drunk over the next 1-2 years. The Rutini Winery was founded in 1885 and currently owns vineyard in five different areas of Mendoza. Importer: Pasternak Wine Imports, Harrison, NY; tel. (800) 946-3110