Ripe red delicious apples, anise, and buttered toast make up the aromas and flavor profile of the 2000 Chassagne-Montrachet Maltroie. Rich and broad, this is a medium-bodied, softly-textured wine. It has outstanding depth, admirable balance, and loads of personality. Projected maturity: now-2009. Importers: Boston Wine Company, Somerville, MA; tel. (800) 343-2230; Burgundy Wine Company, New York, NY; tel. (212) 691-9092; Jeroboam Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 625-2505; Regal Wine Imports, Marlton, NJ; tel. (856) 985-6388; Michael Downey Selections, Arlington, VA; tel. (703) 920-5690; J. Hunt Wine Alliance, Columbia, MD; tel. (410) 730-2222; The London Wine Man, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 529-1940; Glazers Midwest, St. Louis, MO; tel. (314) 382-9990; West End Beverage, Nashville, TN; tel. (615) 320-1446; Old Vine Imports, Redwood City, CA; tel. (650) 593-1947; Vin de Garde Wines, Portland, OR; tel. (503) 224-2470; Southern Wines and Spirits, Miami, FL; tel. (800) 457-8780

It's distinctive, with a blend of wood, smoke, ripe fruit, wet earth, terroir, dried herbs and honey. There is a swirl of flavors and complexity in this compacted Chardonnay, but it turns a bit tough and crisp on the finish, making it a good food wine. Drink now through 2008. 90 cases made. -PM