Forman’s 2011 Chardonnay is very pretty. Lemon, pastry, white flowers and spices come together nicely as this vivid wine shows off its considerable personality. The 2011 still needs time to fully harmonize in bottle. Today, it lacks some of the energy of the 2010, but nevertheless stands out for its textural purity and class. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025. Ric Forman is arguably Napa Valley’s first superstar winemaker. Although sometimes overlooked today, there is little question Forman has had a profound influence on a number of younger winemakers who still speak of him with great reverence. In 2012 Forman celebrated his 46th harvest. Today, Forman counts on the assistance of his son Toby, in running this small, family-owned jewel of an estate. As for the wines, they are superb, but, best of all, remain realistically priced for the consumer who wants to drink top-flight Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon without having to take out a second mortgage. The Chardonnay is made in the non-malo style Forman pioneered in the 1970s. Forman’s Cabernet is one of the classic masterpieces of Napa Valley, even if recent vintages come across as a bit riper than the norm. Still, it is impossible to go wrong with any of these wines.Tel. (707) 963-0234