Artesa Chardonnay Carneros 2009

This is an enomoursly rich Chardonnay that positively explodes in apricot jam, pineapple, vanilla custard and butterscotch flavors. Itrsquo;s balanced with crisp, cool-climate Carneros acidity that makes it tangy and clean. Easy to find, with 33,000 cases produced.

Bright, rich, focused, with ripe fig, lemon, pear, apricot and spice, turning even more complex, with layers of flavors on the finish. Best from 2000 through 2005. A new label from sparkling wine producer Codorniacute;u Napa.

A beautifully elegant, refined Chardonnay. Because itrsquo;s not overloaded with oak, it displays the basic finesse of the grapes from this cool-climate vineyard. Crisp and dry, itrsquo;s rich and complex in citrus, tropical fruit, peach, mineral and honeysuckle flavors, at a fair price.

The 1999 Carneros Chardonnay exhibits a medium straw color, attractive tropical fruit characteristics, subtle oak, medium body, and a clean, crisp finish. It should drink well for another year.

Heavy toast from the barrels dominates this winersquo;s lean fruit. For those who like oak-influenced Chardonnay, this is a wine to serve with grilled shark.

Artesarsquo;s dual fermentation approach, in which oak-barrel and stainless-steel-tank fermentation are used, has resulted in this startlingly appealing Chardonnay. Braced with Carneros acidity, it shows mineral-infused orange, lemon and mango flavors, with a smooth coating of toasty oak.

Intense and spicy, with floral, hazelnut, honeysuckle and melon flavors that are pure, focused, complex and lingering. Drink now through 2013.