According to the winery, this spent only six months in neutral French oak, but there’s an indisputable toastiness to this wine, which serves to accent hints of flowers and spice on the nose. Despite the toasty nuttiness, there’s plenty of fresh fruit in evidence as well, making it quite attractive. ——J.C.(5/1/2011)—— 89

Vanilla and fresh lumber notes lead the way, but gardenia and stone fruits emerge in the mouth and lead to a long, creamy finish remniscent of a peach milkshake. A final kick of acidity keeps the whole thing balanced. ——W.E.(2/1/2009)—— 88