I believe this to be the 3rd year in a row I have liked the South Clos Chardonnay over all the other Chardonnays that Closson Chase makes (and there are quite a few) – I’m starting to see a pattern here. Aged 18 months in 20% new French oak, using wild yeast for fermentation and producing only 220 cases … this one is limited. Vanilla and apple screams from the glass accosting the olfactories, but pleasantly so. Palate shows the same but its got a creamy vanilla texture with caramel apple notes. Smooth, sexy and creamy this one glides over the tongue adding nuances of hazelnut and gentle spice along the way. Price: $39.95 – Rating: **** ½