Classy, elegant nose that is more reminiscent of top flight White Burgundy than California Chardonnay! Green apple, lemon, and hints of navel orange on the nose over a subtle meringue backdrop with light floral and spice touches. On the palate, the potpourri of fresh citrus flavors continues while staying juicy through the mid-palate, balanced by mouthwatering acidity and subtle weight; which together create a lovely, energetic tension. So delicious right now, yet will slowly evolve over the next 10 years.

The 2015 Chardonnay Russian River Valley opens with honeycomb, warm peaches and pear tart with a spicy undercurrent of ginger, anise and fennel seed plus wafts of pie crust and lemongrass. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling peaches and pears flavors with a racy acid line and nice, long finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

A full dose of vibrant, young, keenly varietal Chardonnay fruit is enriched with plenty of winemaking extras here, and, while in no way overdone, the wine readily shows off its full complement of rich, toasty oak. It similarly plays to richness and is no lightweight on the palate, but it is a very well-balanced offering for its size, and two or three years in the cellar are certain to round off its few youthful angles and edges.