The 2009 Chardonnay Pietrabianca caresses the palate with layers of rich, textured fruit. This is a fairly rich style of Chardonnay that nevertheless maintains plenty of verve. I am not fully convinced about Chardonnay in Puglia. At best, the wines are clean, but it is always regional character that trumps varietal expression. This is about as good as it gets.Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016. Importer: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Woodinville, WA, tel. (425) 415-3738

This edition of Pietrabianca (a creamy Chardonnay from Puglia in southern Italy) shows nice integration between its fruit and oak elements. Both parties play a leading role in creating a rich, soft white wine with lingering tones of apricot and toasted almond.——M.L.(7/1/2011)—— 88