This shows the tense acidity and dry minerality that make young Marimar Estate Chardonnays so brisk and fresh. It’s as elegant as Chardonnay gets, with a racy mouthfeel and rich, subtle tropical fruit and pear flavors. New French oak (100%) shows up in the form of buttered toast and wood tannins, but the wine is so big and powerful, it easily handles all that barrel weight. Drink now–2015. — (8/1/2012) —93