Grosset’s Chardonnay Piccadilly is consistently one of the finest Chardonnays made in Australia, and the medium to full-bodied 2003 reveals a restrained use of wood along with notes of poached pears intermixed with lemon butter and ripe apples. A supple texture, fresh acidity, and wonderful finesse, texture, and length result in an exceptional offering that should drink well for several years. Imported by USA Wine West, San Rafael, CA; tel. (800) 485-5753 for John Larchet, The Australian Premium Wine Collection.

Lithe, spicy style has layers of peach, baked apple and grapefruit flavors, lingering effectively on the smooth finish. Drink now through 2008. 100 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Adelaide Hills Select to Add

Though better known for his Rieslings, Jeffrey Grosset also makes a mean Chardonnay, which is all the more special for a dinner date because it’s not that easy to come by. If your evening is alfresco, you may mistake the wine’s light aromas of fresh-cut grass and hay for the scents of your outdoor surroundings. On the palate, pear and lemon zest aromas are couched in a judiciously creamy pillow. As should be true of any romantic partner, this wine’s best feature is its texture. In this case, it feels like a soft cloud of cotton and chalk dust, and lasts long.——D.T.(8/1/2005)—— 91