Masciarelli’s 2004 Marina Cveti? Chardonnay is an exuberant wine of almost-Burgundian elegance in its expression of minerals, smoke, ripe fruit and French oak. The 2004 offers gorgeous clarity in its layers of flavors, in a textured, expansive style. This is an Italian Chardonnay of rare pedigree. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. The passing of Gianni Masciarelli in 2008 left a huge void in the world of Italian wine. To be honest, I haven’t always been the biggest fan of Masciarelli’s wines but his contributions to the oenological landscape in Abruzzo are irrefutable. Most importantly of all, he aimed for, and often achieved, a level of quality that inspired other producers to follow suit. Importer: Masciarelli Wine Company, Weymouth, MA; tel. (781) 335-6620