A rich, dramatic wine, the 2004 Chardonnay Monte Bello is drinking well, offering up a ripe bouquet of tarte tatin, grilled apricot and an exotic top note of petrol. On the palate, it's ample, full-bodied and generous, with a broad attack underpinned by juicy acids. Eric Baugher observes that though the wine is very giving today, it took a while to open up in bottle. The 2004 attained 14.7% alcohol.