The 2009 Kosher Chardonnay is pressed and then flash pasteurized. The nose is lacking some vigour, but the palate shows good balance with primal, citrus fruit with orange peel and apricot, though it lacks some length on the finish. Drink now. I must confess that I was a little disappointed with the selection from this Paarl estate. Whilst the whites are satisfactory, especially their keenly priced Chenin Blanc, the reds exhibited excessive and poorly handled oak that denied the wines of freshness and personality.Importer: Frank Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 230-0906

The nose on this kosher Chardonnay from Backsberg is a combination of tropical fruits—banana, guava—and crisp citrus. On the palate is found more exotic fruit fullness backed by a fresh minerality. Balanced and distinctively South African. Pair with spicy Thai cuisine, seafood.——S.K.(3/1/2010)—— 89