The 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Aurora Point Vineyard offers striking depth, texture and creaminess. Fermentation in oak, along with lees stirring, give the wines a distinctive oiliness and waxiness that comes through in the wine's textural feel.

Stonestreet's latest Sauvignon release bears a fair resemblance to Bordeaux blanc, which is a departure from more common and possibly more popular New Zealand style of Sauvignon that emphasizes pungency. That's probably a good thing considering the Stonestreet vineyards in the warm Alexander Valley produce grapes that are naturally oily and richer than those from cooler climates. The 2015 shows aromas of white peach, tropical fruit and citrus, with a note of spice. Though a hefty portion of the cuvee spends time in (neutral) oak, is has far less oak influence than the average white Bordeaux.

Smooth, lush and deep with classic flavors and lovely texture; ripe, juicy and long.

Smooth, lush and deep with classic flavors and lovely texture; ripe, juicy and long.

From high-elevation blocks once devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon, this exceptionally crafted wine reveals a worthwhile trade-off, flavors celebratory in pear and peach. Fragrant and floral, it offers zesty acidity in Meyer-lemon form, finishing in lasting waves of more lemon.

A striking wine, the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc Aurora Point is also one of the most unique Sauvignons in Sonoma. Bright, chiseled and beautifully sculpted in the glass, the Aurora Point dazzles with its purity and overall finesse. Apricot pit, peach, slate and mint are some of the notes that flesh out, but it is ultimately the wine's textural and overall sense of harmony that truly stand out.

Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Aurora Point sees no new oak, and half of it is fermented with indigenous yeasts. A brilliant Sauvignon, it reveals lots of citrus oil, honeysuckle, white currant, fig and melon characteristics along with medium body, great fruit and wonderful purity. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years.

Another drop-dead gorgeous wine, the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Aurora Point is laced with sweet apricots, white flowers, ginger, passion fruit and crushed rocks. Soft, perfumed and beautifully layered, the 2010 impresses for its soft, enveloping personality. Pure class, that's all there is to it. The Aurora Point is 100% Sauvignon Blanc from high-altitude vineyards. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016.

Very pale silver-yellow. Riper and more exotic than the Aurora Point sauvignon, showing an aroma of orange blossom. Fatter and larger-scaled on the palate but less expressive today, with concentrated melon and orange flavors showing a seamless texture. This lightly saline, very broad blend dusts the palate on the classically dry, lively back end. In a distinctly adult style and in need of a year in bottle to express itself more fully.

The 2012 Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc Terrace Ridge (58% and 42% respectively) was fermented and aged in neutral oak. This is a wine for Chardonnay lovers because the Semillon component provides a full-bodied, creamy texture with layers of fruit and glycerin and the Sauvignon adds crispness. The result is a provocative, compelling, dry white with lots of caramelized citrus, candle wax, lanolin and tropical fruits. This full-bodied, impressive 2012 should be drunk over the next decade.

Stonestreet's 2011 Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc Terrace Ridge is gorgeous. Underlying veins of clean, bracing minerality lend support to the highly expressive varietal aromas and flavors. Lemon oil, lychee and jasmine are some of the nuances that inform the taut, beautifully delineated finish. This is a fabulous effort from Stonestreet. The 2011 is 62% Semillon and 38% Sauvignon Blanc, from vineyards in Alexander Valley, vinified and aged in oak. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016.

Sharply focused, rich and complex, this is an impressive Chardonnay, with pretty pear, fig, melon and apricot flavors. Turns spicy, with anise and cedar, and finishes with a long and lively aftertaste. Drink now through 2005. 12,298 cases made.

A consistently outstanding Chardonnay, this complex pear-and fig-flavored white earns its fifth Spectator Selection honor since the inaugural 1990 vintage.

Elegant, with spicy, toasty oak, picking up complex pear, tart apple, citrus and subtle earthy nuances.

Distinct for its smoky, toasty oak and rich array of ripe pear, fig and melon. Delicious from start to find.

This is a rich and toasty Chardonnay with masses of ripe fruit and a long, smoky finish.

Another remarkable Chardonnay from Stonestreet. This is a rich, toasty, complex wine with tiers of pear, spice, toast and smoky oak flavors, followed by a long finish. A real mouthful.

The 2017s From Sonoma Moving to the Chardonnays, the 2017 Chardonnay Estate was fermented and aged 11 months in 33% new French oak. It’s a clean and crisp, with terrific notes of stone fruits, brioche, and white flowers. Possessing medium to full body, ample pure fruit, and a balanced style, drink it over the coming 4-5 years.

Compared to their regular (multi-vineyard blend) Chardonnay, the one from Bear Point Vineyard has better density and is more elegant. Although the concentration is what’s immediately noticeable, its elegance, especially in the finish, is what sticks in your mind. Judicious oak aging adds a subtle creaminess to its citrus-tinged flavors, making it a good choice for chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce.

Refined and rich-tasting, with plenty of minerality to the apple, pear and quince paste flavors. Buttery hints show midpalate, leading to a finish that unfolds with lemon curd and dried tarragon details.

Here is deep and well-stuffed Chardonnay that pulls out all the stops but has more than enough very precise focused, optimally ripened fruit to balance its liberal appointment of sweet oak and lees. It is a complete and decidedly complex rendition of great breadth and obvious ambition, but it is also very carefully structured and built to impress even more if allowed to rest in the cellar for another couple of years. There is most assuredly no need to hurry here. 2 stars.

Vibrant minerality meets crisp white fruit flavors, with dried savory notes midpalate. The resonant finish offers citrus zest and chamomile accents.

Sensuously fragrant, this Chardonnay also delivers a delicious taste experience. The fruit, influenced by citric notes lightly seasoned with oak, is anchored by just enough acidity and a hint of stony minerals. The texture is medium-full and the finish is very satisfying.

USA, California, Northern California: Napa & Some Sonoma New Releases Fermented in barrel and aged 11 months in 36% new French oak, the 2016 Chardonnay Estate has a ripe apple, peach blossom, poached pears and nutmeg-scented nose with a waft of beeswax. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is satisfyingly savory with plenty of citrus and mineral accents and a long spicy finish.

This light yellow colored Chardonnay from Stonestreet is very good. It opens with a light vanilla oak and gentle pineapple bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, nicely balanced, soft and smooth. The flavor profile is similar to the nose, with a gentle vanilla cream and pineapple blend. I also detected hints of Anjou pear, lemon and a touch of minerality. The finish is dry and fades away nicely. This finesse Chard is extremely food friendly. I would pair it with oven roasted crab stuffed Alaska halibut.