The 1994 Chardonnay Reserve possesses a buttery, creamy-textured, lavishly-oaked personality, medium to full body, juicy fruit, and fine ripeness. Drink it over the next year.Tel. (707) 963-7115 (Beringer)

The ambitious 1993 Chardonnay Reserve from Napa Valley reveals well-integrated, smoky oak, rich, full-bodied, honeyed tropical fruit flavors, loads of glycerin, a big mouthfeel, and plenty of flesh and alcohol in the surprisingly long finish. It is a steal at $13, but be sure and drink it over the next 18 months.The folks at Napa Ridge are apparently incapable of making anything but delicious wines at modest prices. Kudos to winemaker David Schlottman for consistently turning out reasonably priced, delicious wines.Tel. (707) 963-7115 (Beringer)

The first "Reserve" wine from Napa Ridge, this is a knock-out Chardonnay. When I had it in a blind tasting, I mistakenly thought it to be a top French white burgundy! The perfumed nose of butter, smoked nuts, and honeyed apples is excellent. Full-bodied, richly fruity, and creamy-textured, this lusty Chardonnay makes for a delicious mouthful of wine. Drink it before the end of 1994.