The 2010 Chardonnay Hope’s Cuvée is rich, explosive and beautifully layered. Honey, almonds, orange blossoms and butterscotch all burst onto the palate in a voluptuous creamy style of Chardonnay long on balance and harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. This is a mixed set of wines from Ray Signorello. The Chardonnays are terrific, but the Cabernet Sauvignons haven’t turned out as well as I had hoped. Perhaps the wines spent too long in oak, or it is also possible the wines have shut down post-bottling. Based on what I tasted last October, both 2010 Cabernets were more exciting last year.

The 2010 Chardonnay Hope’s Cuvee emerges from the glass with layers of mineral-infused fruit. It, too is rich and fabulously textured, but the coolness of the year gives the 2010 a touch more freshness and verve. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. This is a strong set of wines from Signorello. Pierre Birebent is the winemaker. Luc Morlet consults on the wines as of 2010. I also tasted the 2008 reds for reference, and quality is definitely on the rise since those wines were made. Padrone is a selection of the estate’s best barrels, but the best barrels don’t always equate to a significantly better wine, especially when one takes into account the difference in price.Tel. (707) 255-5990; info@signorelloestate.com

Ultrarich and extracted, this defines barrel-fermented in toasty oak, delivering loads of toast, but also a nice core of roasted fig and honeydew melon. Lovers of well-oaked Chardonnay will flip. Drink now through 2018. 500 cases made. –JL

The 2010 Chardonnay Hope’s Cuvee emerges from the glass with layers of mineral-infused fruit. It, too is rich and fabulously textured, but the coolness of the year gives the 2010 a touch more freshness and verve. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015.