2011 La Planeta Chardonnay

Executed in an opulent and international style, the 2011 Chardonnay is a landmark Sicilian white. Starting with the 2012 vintage, it will carry the “Sicilia DOC” appellation. You feel the warm Sicilian sunshine in the thick texture of the wine as well as the aromas of ripe peach, lemon drop candy and toasted almond. It offers a beautiful smoky aftertaste with elegant touches of chopped herb, honey and sage. Drink 2015-2020. Diego Planeta, along with Giacomo Rallo of Donnfugata and Lucio Tasca d’Almerita, is one of the three founding fathers of the “Sicilian wine renaissance” sparked 10 to 15 years ago. Cousins Francesca, Santi and Alessio Planeta hold the reigns to the estate today and have developed one of the most innovative and modern wine entities in Italy (they are among the most “liked” wineries on Facebook). The Planeta family boasts a gifted hand in marketing and their hard work has only helped to develop the “Sicily” brand within the many foreign markets they penetrate. Enormous credit goes to them. Although Planeta’s wines are always impressive, I was less enthused by this set of new releases. The entry-level products represent excellent value, but the top tier wines (including a wine I love very much, Santa Cecilia) are not at their peak performance. Importer: Palm Bay, www.palmbay.com