A reliable winery with a realistic pricing policy, one of California’s finest Chardonnays for the money is Landmark’s Chardonnay Overlook. The 2005 (74% Sonoma, 16% Santa Barbara, and 10% Monterey fruit) exhibits a light green/straw color as well as attractive aromas of honeyed citrus, tropical fruits, and spices. Excellent acidity, a lovely texture and mouthfeel, and medium body suggest this complex Chardonnay will drink well for several years. It represents a hypothetical blend of a classic white Burgundy and a California Chardonnay. Tel. (707) 833-0212; Fax (707) 833-1164

Fruit from moe than 20 vineyards went into this three-county blend. The result is a beautiful wine. Dry and spicy, it has lush pineapple, vanilla custard, tapioca, peaches and cream and gingerbread flavors, and a lush, creamy texture. Notable also for the crisp, brisk mouthfeel.——S.H.(8/1/2007)—— 90