For those confused about Southbrook’s packaging (as I am these days), let me see if I can set the record straight. “Triomphe” is their reserve line of wines and “Whimsy” is their one-off-unique-barrel-limited-edition wines. That leaves us with ‘Poetica’, which for old school Southbrookers who remember the farm in its Richmond Hill location, this is the old ‘Triomphus’ line. These are the premium reserves, the best of the best barrels from any given vintage. This 2007 is comprised of 4187 bottles, 167 cases, or to put it in other terms, made up from the combination of 7 of the best barrels from that year. All that said (and I hope you aren’t too confused), this is one excellent Chardonnay. The nose is buttery, vanilla, slightly nutty with sweet butterscotch notes that are truly inviting. The palate is also very impressive with a mix of fruit and barrel notes: apple, peach and citrus acidity – creamy vanilla, candied almonds and butterscotch all combine with toasty notes and a nice long finish. It’s a little pricey, but it’s meant to be, these wines are intended to age so that in years to come you’ll think, “my investment was well worth this pleasure”. Price: $50.00 – Rating: ****½