2009 Chardonnay Cuvee Frissonniere

The 2009 Chardonnay Cuvee Bois is richer, deeper and more expressive, largely because of the aging in oak. I can’t say it is meaningfully better or more complex than the straight Chardonnay, because it isn’t; it is just different. Smoke, ash and the essence of crushed rocks wrap around the building, creamy finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. No one has done more to put the Valle d’Aosta on the map of consumers in this country than Les Cretes and proprietor Costantino Charrere. This is a strong set of new releases that highlight the unique qualities of the Valle d’Aosta’s many indigenous red and white varieties. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799