There are 328 cases of the 2003 Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce, a superb, but tightly knit, backward, light gold-colored offering. With high acidity, concentration, and intensity, this full-bodied Chardonnay offers up notes of honeyed apple skins intermixed with nectarine, papaya, and citrus oil. It will benefit from another year of bottle age, and should age for up for ten years. One of northern California’s “good guys” is undeniably Stephen Hansel, who fashions top-quality Burgundian-styled Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Tom Rochioli first brought these wines to my attention, and Hansel is now one of my reference point visits in the North Coast. Known locally as a major car dealer, Hansel founded the winery in 1978 and now owns over 80 acres under vine. These are all noteworthy cuvees that remain somewhat under the radar. Moreover, prices remain unbelievably fair for wines of such quality. Tel. (707) 525-3614; Fax (707) 528-1310