Matured in 60% new oak and receiving no malo-lactic, the 2009 Croft Chardonnay gives a good intensity of white peach, pineapple and melon aromas with hints of toast, cedar, nuts and meal. Very crisp and silky on the medium bodied palate, it has a great concentration of tropical fruit flavors lingering long into the finish. Drinking now, it should keep through 2015. During my visit to Henschke, I was treated to a mini vertical of the Green’s Hill Lenswood Riesling. A single vineyard wine, production is tiny though it can occasionally be seen in export markets and is well worth the hunt. Note that no 2007 Hill of Grace is reviewed here. Due to the tiny production of this vintage (only 8 hogsheads, owing to frost and drought), the release has been delayed and it wasn’t available yet for tasting.Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993

Ripe, lively and tightly focused, this Chardonnay is deftly balanced, offering pear, dulce de leche and green almond flavors that play off lime-accented acidity on the finish. Drink now through 2016. 10 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Lenswood Select to Add