Impressive, but too sweet for comfort, despite great streamlining acidity that keeps the finish clean. Tastes like sugared orange tea and pineapple jam, with the buttered toast and caramel of oak. Earns extra points for minerality and structure. ——S.H.(12/31/2011)—— 87

For years Chateau Potelle has been turning out tremendous, bracing Chardonnays. The ’06 VGS is an awesomely powerful wine, focused like a laser with well-oaked pineapple, passionfruit, tangerine and apricot flavors that are balanced with crisp acids. Notable for purity and strength, this Chardonnay will drink well over the next 6 years.——S.H.(10/1/2008)—— 94

Made from the estate vineyard high up on Mount Veeder, the wine has a brilliant intensity and near-perfect balance. It’s big, but not in the usual California style. Rather, it maintains an elegantly supple and wonderfully balanced character. The taste is of mineral-inspired tropical fruits, complexed with Burgundian technique.——S.H.(12/15/2007)—— 94

This huge wine captures the essence of mountain fruit. Dense and concentrated in ripe pear, tropical fruit and spice flavors, it also oozes elaborate honey, marzipan and buttered toast from oak. Has the weight and intensity of a great white Burgundy.——S.H.(5/1/2005)—— 93