Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Steinhauer Ranch 2008

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the October 2010 issue. Never a shrinking violet, Beringer's Private Reserve Chardonnay is once again a rich, fully expressed big-bodied offering with early smells of honey and ripe apples and underlying suggestions of pastry crust, Meyer lemons and sweet cream. Somewhat soft at entry and viscous to the point of being just a bit heavy, this one never lacks for personality, and while it could use a touch more acidity to go with many dishes, it has all the depth and range to accompany blackened salmon or a lightly curried seafood stew. It needs no age but will not fade soon.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Drinkable now. Unlikely to improve with further aging.

Rating: 87/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the September 2010 issue. Nicely crafted, medium-full-bodied, balanced and mannerly, this wine features ripe apple fruitiness as its central theme from first sniff through to mid-volume finish. It starts out as a touch round on the palate and then finds plenty of firming in the latter going, and, if it is somewhat direct in style with modest touches of the complexity that might adorn pricier bottlings, it is not without those as well. It is a happy choice for an everyday Chardonnay.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Drinkable now. Unlikely to improve with further aging.

Complex aromas of cedar, hazelnut, ripe pear and citrus lead to a firm, trim Chardonnay that keeps its focus, finishing with lively acidity. Drink now.

Aging in French oak aided in the creation of a rich, smooth, vanilla-laden chardonnay. Butter and light touches of caramel add depth to the delicate fruit flavors.

Butterscotch, honey, nutmeg, and toasted coconut aromas highlight mouth-coating tropical fruit, creamy vanilla and balancing citrus flavors.

Pale, bright yellow. Deeply pitched but bright aromas of ripe peach and pear. Smooth and ripe, with enticing peach and pear fruit flavors complicated by lees, spices and butterscotch. Finishes with a slightly phenolic quality. Good honest chardonnay, and a solid value.

Fragrant, with floral, spice and nectarine notes that are crisp and delicate, ending with a snappy apple aftertaste. Drink now.