Barrel fermented in predominantly seasoned French oak barriques and aged for 15 months in oak, the 2009 Martinborough Estate Chardonnay reveals notes of spiced apple slices, warm peaches and guava with touches of buttered toast and light brown sugar. Full bodied and with a good concentration of ripe stone fruit and tropical flavors, it has lively balancing acidity, a suggestion of silken texture and a long toasty finish. Drink it now to 2015. Importer: Foley Family Wines, Healdsburg, CA

Powerful, rich, ripe tropical fruit and citrus zest nose. Dry, focused palate - well-balanced, yet pleasant and restrained.

Pretty standard in terms of flavor profile, but well-executed, marrying toasty, pain grille aromas with flavors of vanilla, ripe pears and melon. Medium- to full-bodied, it finishes with a flourish of oak and spice.——J.C.(5/1/2008)—— 87