Chardonnay
- Patz & Hall, "Hyde Vineyard", Carneros, California, 2002 $88.00
- Steely, smoky, full-bodied. Its zesty acidity is accompanied by notes of white peaches, tropical fruits and hints of cold steel.
- Kistler, "Les Noisetiers", Sonoma, California, 2003 $85.00
- (Very Limited Availability) Rich, complex aroma of ripe fruits, minerals and nut oil-elegant on the palate.
- Beringer, Sbragia-Limited, Napa Valley, California, 2003 $69.00
- A rich creamy, seductive style that's skillfully balanced, with a mix of ripe pear, fig, and apricot, showing off a smokey, toasty edge on the finish.
- Shafer, "Red Shoulder Ranch", Carneros, California, 2004 $68.00
- Exhibits abundant fruit, honeysuckle, apricot, and citrus oil characteristics in its classic, full-bodied personality. With good acidity as well as abundant oak.
- Cakebread Cellars, Napa Valley, California, 2005 $62.00
- Its aromas are reminiscent of green apples and the faint scent of apricots. A fresh, silky finish completes what we believe to be an outstanding Napa Valley Chardonnay.
- Lewis, Napa Valley, California, 2003 $61.00
- Packs in a sumptuous array of ripe, rich, concentrated flavors built around a complex core of pear, spiced apple and tropical fruits.
- Ramey, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California, 2003 $56.00
- Intense and vibrant on a medium-weight frame, it serves up complex green apple, pear, spice and light hazelnut, turning elegant and delicate, with a fresh, cleansing aftertaste.
- Pine Ridge, "Dijon Clones", Napa Valley, Caneros, California, 2005 $53.00
- Fresh tropical aroma’s of peach and pineapple, with hints of lime giving way to a slightly toasty character and outstanding balance.
- Truchard, Carneros, California, 2001 $52.00
- Intense and vibrant, with a lively display of ripe citrus, pear and nectarine flavors.
- Arrowood, Sonoma County, California, 2003 $49.00
- Simple yet pleasant, with a modest core of apple and citrus, turning a bit dilute on the finish.
- Girard, "Russian River Valley", Sonoma, California, 2004 $42.00
- Lovely, enticing tropical and citrus aromas are augmented with a rich round silky-smooth pallet.
- Kendall-Jackson, "Grand Reserve", California, 2005 $37.00
- It is a serious, unmistakably California Chardonnay exhibiting loads of honeyed tropical fruit, medium to full body, and admirable freshness as well as texture.
- Chateau Ste. Michelle, "Indian Wells", Columbia Valley, Washington, 2005 $33.00
- The wine delivers pineapple and mango aromas along with hints of fresh red apples and ripe apricots. The wine has a nice crisp balance to go along with its tropical characters.
- Buehler, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California, 2004 $31.00
- The Russian River Chardonnay spotlights the floral/lime qualities of the fruit aromas and accents them with toasty, graham cracker surlie character. The mouthfeel is creamy and full but the natural acidity of the Russian River fruit carries this velvet textured package to a long, clean finish.
- Hogue, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2004 $28.00
- Aromas CIre of pear, citrus vanilla, cream, and hazelnut. The wine has complex Chardonnay character. Bright pear and cream flavors abound on the palate with a roundness acquired from the barrel fermented portion. The finish is crisp.
