The 2008 Keltern Chardonnay has subtle touches of pear drop and rose petal on the nose that displays impressive definition and focus. The palate has a spicy entry and good fruit intensity with more intensity than the Ihumatao. It fans out towards a floral, nicely poised and pretty finish with hints of passion fruit and mango lingering on the aftertaste. Drink now-2016. The clement weather during the 2009 vintage meant that Villa Maria's winemaking team faced a 20% above average crop. Bearing in mind the pitfalls of over-production in 2008, strict yield controls were imposed on each winery, with many lopping off a whole cane. Villa Maria continues to produce a strong diverse portfolio that embraces entry-level varietals to limited bottlings of single vineyards. As mentioned in previous reports their Pinot Noirs remain their Achilles heel in an otherwise impressive, diverse range. In particular, I feel that their Syrah are really coming into their own. I have included wines from Vidal and Esk Valley that are under the same umbrella, but treated separately. Importer: Ste Michelle Wine Estates, Woodinville, WA; tel. (800) 267-6793