The 2006 Chardonnay Stillwater Creek Vineyard offers toasty pear and apple aromas with some tropical fruits in the background. This leads to a focused, balanced Chardonnay with ripe flavors, a smooth texture, and excellent length. All of these Novelty Hill white wines should be consumed over the next 2-3 years. Novelty Hill is owned by venture capitalist Tom Alberg. He also owns Stillwater Creek Vineyard located on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills which was planted in 2000. Last year the winery moved into its impressive new building in Woodinville. In addition to sharing the space with Januik Winery, Alberg also employs Mike Januik as winemaker for Novelty Hill. Tel. (425) 481-8317; www.noveltyhillwines.com

This new vintage of Novelty Hill’s estate Chardonnay shows more acid and spice than the slightly richer, creamier 2005, but offers the same superb winemaking. The fruit is a perfect mix of apple, pear, passion fruit and green banana, laced with cinnamon and sweet baking spices. This is that all-too-rare, affordably-priced domestic Chardonnay. It does not require food to “fill in” what’s missing—nothing is missing! ——P.G.(12/1/2008)—— 92