The 2019 Chardonnay Drake Estate Vineyard, aged in about 20% new, water-bent Taransaud barrels, offers layered aromas of Meyer lemon, quince, cashews, spring butter and honey. Savory layers fan across the medium-bodied palate, and fresh bursts of acidity highlight its creamy, nutty nuances. It has a satiny texture and a long, juicy finish that keeps you coming back for more.

The 2017 Chardonnay Drake Estate Vineyard offers scents of quince peel, green apple, cheese rind and baker's yeast, opening to notes of dried chamomile, toast and almonds. It's light to medium-bodied and lively in the mouth with creamy/nutty touches, tangy acidity and a long, almond-tinged finish. 352 cases produced.

Made using about 20% new oak, the 2016 Chardonnay Drake Estate Vineyard is restrained on the nose, slowly giving up aromas of cheese rind, toast, crème fra?che, Meyer lemon and red apple peel. Medium-bodied, the palate is giving up more at this stage, with white peach and nutty touches, a creamy texture and juicy acidity, finishing lifted. 383 cases produced.

A big, rich, flashy Chardonnay that’s designed to impress, and does. Almost too much of a good thing, with massive lemondrop candy, pineapple, lime and kiwi fruit flavors, as well as firm minerality and lots of toasty oak. Drink now with opulent fare, such as shellfish.——S.H.(3/1/2012)—— 92