The fruit for the 2009 M3 Chardonnay was pre-chilled and pressed cold straight to barrel (French barriques, 20% new) with no settling. It underwent 90% natural ferment and 50% malo-lactic. It seems youthfully mute at the moment with subtle notes of lemon curd, oatmeal, peach blossom, fresh apricot and honey-nut plus a whiff of cedar. Medium-bodied, the palate has a great deal of tension with crisp acid, a satiny texture and a long finish. Give it another 6-12 months in bottle and drink it through 2015.
Importer: Vintus Wines, New York, NY; tel. (914) 769 3000; www.vintuswines.com