Exhibiting little oak, the 2009 Estate Chardonnay (100% Chardonnay; 70% aged in stainless steel and 30% barrel-fermented) offers lots of fleshy popcorn, light peach, tangerine and lemon oil characteristics. It is a medium-bodied, fresh, lively, captivating white to drink over the next 1-2 years.Tel. (707) 433-7209; Fax (707) 433-9408

This is a good wine to drink if you want a modestly elegant Chardonnay to serve alongside food, instead of a big, oaky sweetie. It’s dry and crisp and clean, with pleasantly rich flavors of citrus fruits, peaches, green apples, minerals and vanilla. Easy to find, with 17,000 cases produced. ——S.H.(12/31/2010)—— 87