($42, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates): Villa Maria’s 2011 Taylors Pass Chardonnay stands with New Zealand’s best examples of wine made from that grape.  It has an alluring flinty, almost smoky aroma, followed by substantial weight, but no heaviness.  The flavors penetrate the palate while paradoxically floating above it.  Refined and long, this a great wine to savor throughout a meal as its complexity becomes apparent.
94 Michael Apstein Aug 12, 2014