The 2006 Chardonnay Cold Creek Vineyard is medium straw-colored with smoky apple and poached pear aromas. Smooth-textured, balanced, and ripe, it is accompanied by lively acidity. This lengthy Chardonnay can be enjoyed over the next 5 years. Since I saw him last year, Mike Januik has moved into a splendid new winery in Woodinville which he shares with Novelty Hill Winery for whom he makes the wines. Current production is at 8000 cases.Tel. (425) 481-5502; www.januikwinery.com

More new oak shows here; it’s packed with butterscotch and toasted, caramel-coated, apple-flavored fruit. It’s tighter, spicier and oakier than the Elerding Vineyard Chardonnay from Januik, though at the moment it seems less complex in the finish.——P.G.(12/31/2008)—— 91