I’ve heard it said, on more than one occasion, that Unoaked Chardonnay is boring – the winemaker can’t manipulate it like he does with an oaked version. That’s why lees is beginning to play a bigger role in the making of this kind of wine. Lees are those dead yeast cells which are allowed to drop to the bottom of the tank where they lie around adding more complexity to the wine. Some choose to stir these around, thus adding further depth of flavour and aromas to the wine. Lailey’s version rests 3 months on these cells and while it doesn’t show on the nose it sure does come through on the palate. Smells are rich and fruity with full-on yellow delicious apple and some floral notes – as it rests in the glass it gains more Riesling-like characteristics on the nose. The mouth is where those leesy notes start showing up: buttery and vanilla with a touch of minerality, but that big apple taste is there too, with a big acidic bite … but man is it refreshing. Set for release July 2008. Price: $16.00