A vivid taste profile of Chardonnay in its finest California persona, French oak tempering the suggestions of apples, pears, melon, adding the intrigue of wood incense.

A terrific example of the varietal, the wine possesses a black/purple color and a huge, knock-out nose of jammy black fruits, herbs, smoke, and vanilla. Full-bodied, with a opulent texture, this wine will be a crowd pleaser when released in 1996.

Dense and chewy, but has all the ingredients for greatness, with tiers of black cherry, currant, anise and plum, finishing with chunky tannins that let the fruit glide through. Finishes spicy.

Medium acid and fruit. Herbs, grapefruit, apple pie. Pleasantly crisp Chardonnay fruit, well focused. Evolves in the glass, developing sweet, spicy characteristics.

Medium body, acid fruit and oak. Citrus, geraniums, herbs, toast. Assertive toast component dominates herbaceous fruit. A complex, unusual host of flavors, with rich mouth-feel and lingering acidity.

Spicy style with tart, succulent fruit, earth, berries, grapefruit, vanilla and soft oak notes that last.

Citrus zest, earth, nuts. Moderately balanced with fruit that turns soft as it develops.

Brown spice, pumpkin. Subtle, spicy, elegant and easy to drink. A juicy mouthfeel wakes up rich oak flavors.

A big, concentrated, pinot, with rich and powerful plum and black cherry aromas and flavors.

Rich and fruity, boasting lots of plum, black cherry, currant and spicy mint notes, cedary oak and plush tannins. Packs a wallop with its flavor.

This Chardonnay is made from grapes purchased from the Dennison Vineyard, which is certified organic by Calfornia. No herbicided or pesticides are used during cultivation. The vineyard is in the warmer southern end of the valley, where the wines are more full-bodied than in the north. This wine was barrel-fermented and bottled in August 1994. It is an attractive wine, halfway between the leaner style and a full-bore Sonoma or Napa Chardonnay.

Has ripe and ultra-rich flavors of pears and butterscotch, with a strong element of toasty, smoky oak. Well done for style.

Forward toasted, slightly charred oak, herbal notes; medium fruit, vinous notes; firm tannins, big finish. Try with smoked duck breast, pasta with wild mushrooms.

Dense, ripe, richly oaked. Medium-full bodied, soft and fleshy.

Flowers, apples, lemons. This young white boasts explosive July fruit and freshly appealing aromatics.

Medium light body. Lots of acid. Medium fruit. Lots of oak. Apricots, lemons, nuts, herbs. Very citrusy fruit with a strong wood influence is creamy in the mouth and fresh tasting.

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

Pretty herb, cola and black cherry flavors. Elegant on the finish.

Has all the ingredients for greatness, with tiers of black cherry, currant, anise and plum, finishing with chunky tannins that let the fruit glide through.

Supple, complex and harmonious, with layers of smoky oak, currant, cherry and spice. Finishes with smooth, thick tannins and excellent length. A beautifully crafted red wine. (Also appeared 9/30/95).

Big black-cherry aroma with smoky oak notes; explosive berry flavors.

A present worthy of any cab fan. It's rich and elegant, with dense and succulent flavors of plum and cedar. It's ready now or will last a while.

One of fifty best wines of the year. One of three Chardonnays of the year.

A touch of earth with some cedar notes and gamy cherry plum flavors. Holds together on the finish where the flavors come together.