This is a best barrel selection from Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Only 430 cases were produced. It’s a tremendous Chardonnay, just huge in the white Burgundy mode: ripe tropical fruit, new oak, lees, unfined and unfiltered. Right now, it’s a little gangly, like an adolescent who’s growing too fast. But we know this wine knits together as it ages. Best 2007–2011. ——S.H.(12/31/2006)—— 95

Rich opening aromas of pineapple, pear and lime plus toast and leesy accents open to a round palate of sweet pear, apple, vanilla and pineapple flavors. This nicely balanced, medium-weight wine is smooth, but the new wood really dominates the lengthy close. ——W.E.(7/1/2001)—— 89

Talbott has made so many exceptional Chardonnays that the above rating may be the lowest I have bestowed one of their wines. Nevertheless, it is a very good, oaky, rich, more rustic style Chardonnay than usual. There are plenty of rich, nicely-textured fruit flavors, full body, and a weighty feel on the palate. Good acidity provides focus and freshness. Drink this wine over the next year.Tel. (408) 675-3000