2006 Giaconda "Nantua Les Deux" Chardonnay Beechworth (Elsewhere $56)

94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: " The 2006 Chardonnay Nantua contains 7% Roussanne. It was fermented in barrel with native yeasts using French oak, 25% new where it remained for 10 months before being bottled unfiltered. Light gold-colored, it offers an alluring bouquet of toast, butter, floral notes, baked apple, and tropical fruits. This is followed by a round, viscous, layered wine with gobs of flavor, excellent balance, and a lengthy finish. It has several years of aging potential and can be enjoyed through 2017. 91 points Stephen Tanzer's IWC: "Bright yellow. Spicy lemon and pear on the nose, with subtle notes of sweet butter, macadamia and lemongrass. Creamy citrus and orchard fruit flavors stain the palate and are complemented by deeper tones of toasted nuts and smoky lees. Firm and linear on the finish, which echoes the lemongrass and pear notes and leaves behind a sweet nutty note." And, according to Wine Specator: "Ripe and buttery, this is broad and lithe in texture, with mouthfilling pineapple, caramel and cashew flavors that linger on the generous finish. Drink now through 2012. 60 cases imported." (Web only 2007)