Melville Verna's Estate Chardonnay 2011

Light gold. Musky aromas of orchard and pit fruits, toasty lees and butter. Sweet and full but vibrant too, with suavely integrated acidity leavening the ripe pear and nectarine flavors. Spreads out on the back end without any loss of vivacity. Finishes ripe and smooth, with lingering smokiness and excellent persistence. Score - 91. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2012)