Paritua’s 2008 Chardonnay gives a moderate intensity of white peach, ripe apple and grapefruit aromas with a toasty/oaky undercurrent plus roasted almonds, butterscotch and a whiff of ginger. The oak is jutting out on the medium bodied palate, overpowering the delicate citrus and apple fruit with crisp acid and a long toasty finish. For those who like oak flavors, it’s approachable now, otherwise give it another year for the oak to marry slightly and drink to 2015. Importer: Oceania Wines, New York, NY; tel. (877) 771-8773

Mature, creamy, very ripe; integrated and well-made. Would go well with fish and a creamy sauce. A successful wine.