Following the extraordinary 2005 Pinot Noir vintage from Burgundy, the 2006 Chardonnay is apparently receiving rave reviews. Keep an eye out for these special treats that will be coming our way in the next few months. It’s interesting, popularity of New World wines have taken over the North American wine industry by storm, because of price point, style and, surprisingly, legible labels. The French wine industry has stood idley by, just waiting to get back into the game, and this is the year, I for one am a huge fan of a Burgundian Chardonnay (or White Burgundy or Chablis), because you really understand where the wine is from; the minerality, and ripe fruit are pronounced, rather than masked by oak and spice that you more commonly find in a new world Chardonnay. Because the 2006 is such an exceptional vintage for Burgundy’s Chardonnay, the prices may be a little high, but will still be well worth the expense. If $40 - $60 is out of your price range, try the 2005’s that are more moderately priced, but will still give you an idea of what you’ve been missing in the New World.