Chardonnay California 2009

Bright and soft donrsquo;t generally fit together in the ordinary scheme of things. The sun? Not exactly soft. Pillows? Not really all that bright, generally. But such are the contradictions that make this California Chardonnay exciting. A bright nose of apple and pear is balanced with a light touch of oak that never overwhelms. The first sip presents more fruit and a full-bodied, silky feel, and then follows through with a crisp, mouth-coating finish.

The tasty 2006 Chardonnay offers orange blossom, lemon oil, and tropical fruit notes, medium body, crisp acidity, and fine purity as well as freshness. There is no evidence of oak in this lovely Chardonnay. These are all excellent values!

Tremendously fragrant, offering juicy pineapple and melon flavors with citrus overtones. The fruit is balanced by toasty oak and pleasant creaminess. The wine will be a charming companion to light pastas, seafood or poultry, or by itself as an aperitif.

What a nice wine for this price. Itrsquo;s so dry and crisp and minerally and easy to drink, with enough sophistication to satisfy even fussy wine snobs. The subtle flavors include lemons, limes and smoky oak.

The 2003 Chardonnay offers abundant amounts of tropical fruits, surprising opulence, fine purity, and an attractive tactile impression. This uncomplicated, fruit-forward, tasty offering should be consumed over the next 12 months.

This estatersquo;s Chardonnay has always been a great value. Kissed by oak, it reveals plenty of tropical fruit in a medium-bodied, exuberant style. It is ideal for drinking now and over the next 18ndash;20 months. Consume it before the 2003 is released next year. Kudos to this California winery that knows how to make satisfying wine at bargain basement prices.

The terrific 2001 Chardonnay exhibits copious quantities of tropical fruits, excellent ripeness, tremendous purity, and a medium-bodied, vivacious personality. It is hard to believe this much flavor can be packed into a $10 wine. Enjoy it over the next year.