The underlying wine, before the winemaker put it into oak barrels, was delicious in tangerine and pineapple fruit, brightened with brilliantly crisp acidity and a fine, steely minerality. The oak, which is modest, adds a richer coating of buttered toast. A great price for a Chardonnay this drinkable.——S.H.(3/1/2012)—— 89

A totally different animal altogether, the 2008 Chardonnay Arroyo Seco explodes with a perfume of orange blossoms, nectarine, marmalade, and quince, followed by a full-bodied, Chardonnay with both power and elegance. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 3-5 years. Tel. (800) 273-8558