17 months in an oak barrel is going to give you some pretty pronounced oak characteristics … and the 2011 South Clos Chardonnay shows its oak home on its proverbial sleeve. Nose of apricot, baked apple and peach pit that also has aromas of cinnamon, burnt butter and wild flower honey. As effusive as the nose is the palate also has plenty to offer: vanilla, apricot, burnt-butter, floral, pineapple, and cedar-oaky notes but it’s that big buttery presence that really stands out with all that complexity. Price: $29.95 – Rating: ****+