Maison Roche De Bellene Vieilles Vignes Chassagne-Montrachet Chardonnay 2008, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vintages Wine Panel: This exciting, well-crafted wine is an ideal choice for any lover of white Burgundy. Opens with complex, lively aromas of oatmeal, lemon, mineral, coconut, hazelnut, cardamom, pear and yellow plum. Dry, medium-full bodied, crisp and racy thanks to vibrant acidity. The fruit core is nicely accented by the refined oak. Balanced and poised, with a long finish. My note: I smelled this wine and had to sigh and close my eyes. This is classic French Chardonnay: rich and round with ripe pear, peach and some green apple brightness all wrapped in a gorgeous blanket of toasted hazelnuts and almonds. Drink: 2011-2018. 241158 12.20% XD 750 mL  $49.95 Score: 96/100. November 12, 2011 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Domaine Latour-Giraud Les Narvaux Chardonnay 2009, A.C., Meursault, Burgundy, France: I can see the road signs in Burgundy when I smell this wine. Love it! Classic chardonnay raised to the Platonic ideal of what this wine should be. Just enough toasty oak, green apple and rounded layers with an extra long finish. Drink: 2012-2018. 12369 13% D 750 mL  $74.00 Score: 95/100. July 21, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Domaine La Soufrandise Clos Marie Pouilly-Fuissé 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Bright and vibrant with crisp, gleaming green apple and lime aromas. Mouth-watering, great for food. Drink: 2012-2016. 42622 13.50% XD 750 mL  $27.95 Score: 92/100. September 15, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Coudoulet De Beaucastel Blanc, Château De Beaucastel, Famille Perrin 2011, A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Yum! Gorgeous depth and richness and complexity. Get out of your white wine rut with this one: spectacular! Aromas of lychee, white flowers and pure dry peach essence. Drink: 2012-2017. 48892 14% XD 750 mL  $33.95 Score: 95/100. October 13, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

La Chablisienne Fourchaume 1Er Cru Chablis 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Vey vibrant with gorgeous lemon brightness wrapped up in hazelnut goodness. Incredibly tasty and mouth-watering. Laser focus. Drink: 2012-2016. 656835 13% XD 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 93/100. November 10, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Domaine Latour-Giraud Cuvée Charles Maxime Meursault Chardonnay 2010, A.C., Burgundy, France: Come hither peach and pear notes folded gently into toasted almond and hazelnut. So alive, so seductive. Full-bodied but not heavy: gorgeous chardonnay! Drink: 2012-2018. 299784 13% XD 750 mL  $82.00 Score: 94/100. November 10, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Simonsig Chenin Avec Chêne Chenin Blanc 2009, W.O., Stellenbosch, South Africa: You MUST try this! Rock your world with apple blossom, peach forgetfulness and pleasure beyond limits. Full-bodied. Dive into it. Drink: 2012-2016. 282772 14% D 750 mL  $28.95 Score: 95/100. September 29, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Tierhoek Chenin Blanc 2009, W.O., Piekenierskloof, South Africa: Richness and vibrant, like the perfect husband. Layers of complexity and lemon loveliness. Drink: 2012-2016. 288175 14% D 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 91/100. October 27, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Vine Cliff Los Carneros Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley, California, United States: Full-bodied with a deep richness and a smoked almond finish. Some orchard fruit in the middle. Drink: 2012-2016. 289132 14.40% XD 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 91/100. October 27, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review

Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2010, Napa Valley, California, United States: Hazelnut hedonism with a sunny green apple punch on the palate. Full-bodied, beautifully structured and the finish is almost forever. Drink: 2012-2018. 26682 14.70% D 750 mL  $44.95 Score: 93/100. October 13, 2012 Top Rated White Wine. Full Review