The 2009 Paritua Chardonnay has pronounced aromas of toasty cedar and butterscotch over warm peaches, honeydew melon and passion fruit. Medium bodied with a nice suggestion of texture in the mouth, there’s a pleasant spicy character that comes through, off-set by crisp acidity and finishing long. Drinking now, it should keep to 2015. Importer: Oceania Wine Group Ltd, www.oceaniawinegroup.com

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.

——J.C.(12/1/2008)—— 85