The 2006 Chardonnay Lowengang offers an attractive combination of rich varietal fruit supported by a persistent vein of minerality. In this vintage the French oak is very nicely balanced, and everything is in the right place all the way through to the polished finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. This is by far the most impressive set of wines I have tasted from Alois Lageder, one of Alto Adige’s largest and best-known producers.Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

Light and luminous, this gorgeous Chardonnay offers a bouquet of soapy floral notes, aromatic fruit and drying mineral. The wine is spicy and tart in the mouth but what really sets it apart is its purity and elegance.——M.L.(7/1/2010)—— 91