Jed Steele has once again turned in an impressive group of Chardonnays, including five vineyard-designated offerings. The 1993 Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard reveals a smoky, buttery character, as well as more aggressive wood notes. There are gobs of rich, ripe fruit, full body, and higher alcohol. It is a larger-scaled, more impressively-styled Chardonnay than the other offerings. It should drink well for 1-2 years.Kudos to Jed Steele! Tel. (707) 279-0213

Formerly the winemaker at Kendall-Jackson, Jed Steele is to be highly commended for his debut releases, all brilliant examples of California Chardonnay. All of these wines possess great fruit, excellent to outstanding richness, and superb purity and focus. One of the two best 1991's is the blockbuster deep, rich Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay. It is an exquisite wine with huge reserves of fruit, an intense, floral, buttery, apple, and spicy bouquet, rich, medium to full-bodied flavors, and an admirably long finish. I doubt that this wine is meant to make old bones, but it should continue to drink well for the next 2 years. Don't miss it!