The 2008 Highland Estates Chardonnay Camelot Vineyard is a creamy, full-bodied wine with lots of tropical fruit flavors, from pineapple to mango. Some buttered brioche/shortbread notes as well as creme brulee also make an appearance in this full-bodied, heady wine, which can be drunk over the next 3-4 years. The lowest level of the Kendall-Jackson empire, the Vintner’s Reserve series, goes from strength to strength. For consumers hoping to maximize their dollar value, these serious wines are consistent choices. Their Chardonnay has always been good, but dramatic increases in quality have taken place in the Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon programs.Tel. (800) 769-3649; kjwines@kj.com

Very pure, focused, intense, a Chardonnay whose minerality and fresh acidity provide grounding and structure to the elaborate, decadently good flavors. Exotic, with waves of tropical fruit pastry, lemondrop candy, golden mango, pineapple creme brulee, buttered toast and dusty Asian spices.——S.H.(5/1/2010)—— 94