Kunde Estate Chardonnay Sonoma Valley Estate Bottled 2008

A fine young estate Chardonnay from these growers-turned-producers in the heart of the valley. Displays clean and pure apple and peach flavors, and enough oak to season with vanilla and woody spices. Balanced and pretty, and a good match for salmon or crab.

Kundersquo;s winemaker tasting notes liken their estate Chardonnay to a cinnamon bun, which threw me off at first. Upon further reflection, however, I started to think, ldquo;well, I guess it is.rdquo; This wine is rich and creamy, with yeasty bread dough aromas and distinct cinnamon notes, and peeking out beneath the buttery oak are crisp apple, guava and banana flavors. The smooth and mellow finish is substantial and lingering, making the Kunde a definite winner in the $10 California Chardonnay category!

Marked by pleasant earthy citrus and green fruit notes, with crisp apple and honeydew melon character, this medium- to full-bodied wine ends with a clean aftertaste. Drink now through 2015.

A lively style, with fresh floral, peach and nectarine flavors that finish with a touch of citrus. Little in the way of oak. Drink now.

The sweetness of oak contrasts drier, earth tones in this wine, balancing butterscotch with scents of chalk. Lees add a whole grain flavor. For roast veal.

Bright, lively and refreshing, with zesty pear, nutmeg, citrus and tangerine notes. Drink now through 2004.

Ripe and full-bodied with tiers of fruit flavors ranging from green apples and peaches to pears and mango. None-too-subtle oak adds vanilla, smoke and butterscotch elements. Just enough residual sugar for it to drink a bit like an orange-vanilla milk shake.