“The 2011 Antiguas Reservas Chardonnay is fermented in small French oak barrels for six months. It has fresh tropical fruit on the nose with notes of passion fruit and guava, while the palate is well balanced with a spicy entry and an ebullient, zest finish with hints of mandarin and grapefruit. This is a flavor packed Chardonnay.”

“Butter, vanilla, fennel seed, toasty oak spice, baked apple and lemon curd all come together on this rather classic nose. Fairly restrained on entry, this shows some butteriness on the palate along with simple if clear flavors of apple and lots of mango. The toasty spice kicks in on the backend with a strong vein of vanilla driving the moderately long, slightly dry and vaguely tannic finish. By the number Chardonnay.”

“Bright and floral on the nose with a ginger and cinnamon edge to the very ripe core of pineapple laden fruit. Creamy at first, with an initial wave of very ripe pineapple and mango fruit framed with gently toasted spice and vanilla. This gains focus in the mouth, though it remains with very ripe fruit flavors if lively and fresh feeling on the palate. The backend turns creamy again, gaining more toasted spice notes before this fades rather quickly on the modest finish. Front loaded and fairly rich on the palate, this should be quite popular.”

RECOMMENDED: “With over 150 years of history, Cousiño Macul is one of Chile’s pre-eminent wineries. With flavors of tropical fruit, light vanilla and a touch of minerals, this Chardonnay is at home with pollo con ajo or a tangy ceviche.”

“With over 150 years of history, Cousiño Macul is one of Chile’s pre-eminent wineries. With flavors of tropical fruit, light vanilla and a touch of minerals, this Chardonnay is at home with pollo con ajo or a tangy ceviche.”