Resembling a California-styled Corton-Charlemagne, the light golden-hued, full-bodied 2004 Chardonnay Melville Vineyard offers aromas of white peaches, crushed rocks, honeyed citrus, and subtle wood as well as brilliant underlying acidity. It possesses superb extract, richness, punch, and definition. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Tel. (805) 735-9184

It’s odd that while the alcohol here is lower than on the winery’s Rancho Santa Rosa bottling, the wine tastes hotter, with a pepper spice note that actually complements the ripe, exotic tropical fruit, pear and buttercream flavors. This is a very big, complex wine, long-lasting in the finish and impressive for the way its mass is balanced and contained. ——S.H.(8/1/2006)—— 93

The brilliant 2003 Chardonnay Melville Vineyard comes across like a high-class Corton-Charlemagne with an undeniable liquid stone-like character as well as a profound bouquet of honeyed lemons, tangerine skins, minerals, and white flowers. Full and concentrated, with superb definition and vibrancy, this is a striking Chardonnay to enjoy over the next 7-8 years. Tel. (805) 452-5609

The steely, light pale gold-hued 2002 Chardonnay Melville Vineyard offers up aromas of honeyed citrus, crushed rocks, white flowers, and a hint of citrus oils in a layered, tightly wound style. Additional flavors of orange marmalade and tropical fruit, crisp acidity, full body, and a layered palate are found in this well-delineated, fruit-filled Chardonnay. Give it 12-18 more months of bottle age, and drink it over the following 7-10. One can’t say enough about this young team that is doing such spectacular work in Santa Rita Hills’ cool climate vineyards.Tel. (805) 452-5609