Alta Maria Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley 2008

This wine's warmth and plush texture gain shape and structure from a core of tart fruit. It brings grapefruit and green apple to mind, the acidity relieving some of the supple richness. For a lobster roll.

A super Chardonnay at a very reasonable price. The grapes come from two vineyards, Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills. The wine is fresh and fragrant, with brisk acidity giving a bracing feel to the citrus, nectarine and pear flavors. Therersquo;s a minerality that adds structural integrity to the richness.

Pure and stunningly honest with perfectly ripe peach and citrus fruit; long and balanced with lovely texture and finish.

Pale straw in color. Displays a zesty bouquet of Granny Smith apples and lemon meringue, with just a hint of buttered pear. This wine pleasantly balances a suggestion of richness with mouthwatering acidity, giving it an edge. Crisp green apples continue on the palate, flooding your senses with every sip. This would pair wonderfully with Cornish hens roasted with herbes de Provence and buttered potatoes. All in all, this is a graceful, restrained, and delicate Chardonnay with just a slightly lean finish. This isnrsquo;t a Chard for everyone, but I really enjoyed the apple notes. Drink now.

The 2008 Chardonnay is a classic example of Santa Maria viticulture. Lovely tropical fruit, honeysuckle, lychee, and floral notes along with some background minerality jump from the glass of this full-bodied, nicely concentrated, impressive wine. Drink it over the next 2ndash;3 years.

This winersquo;s warmth and plush texture gain shape and structure from a core of tart fruit. It brings grapefruit and green apple to mind, the acidity relieving some of the supple richness. For a lobster roll.