The 2008 Chardonnay is a very pretty, refined white laced with ripe apricots, flowers and tangerine. This mid-weight Chardonnay offers lovely balance and a clean, bracing finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2012. This is a solid set of wines from Planeta, one of Sicily's better-known estates. As good as the best of these wines can be, they are also very safe. It would be nice to see Planeta take some more chances and make wines with a little more ambition. The raw materials certainly seem to be present to make that happen.Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

Here’s a smooth and saturated Chard that beams strong with the Sicilian sunshine within. The bouquet opens with warm aromas of yellow rose, stone fruit, almond and creamy vanilla. In the mouth, it shows rich, full flavors that would pair with shellfish or white meat. ——M.L.(3/1/2011)—— 91