The 2008 Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay displays a nose of poached pear, apple, and white peach. Medium-bodied, round, and spicy on the palate, this nicely balanced, lengthy offering will also drink nicely over the next 3-4 years. It is an excellent value. All Mike Januik does is make good wine, year after year, without a lot of fanfare or glitz.Tel. (425) 481-5502; www.januikwinery.com

From an older block (planted in 1990), this tightly-wound, beautifully-structured Chardonnay brings together tart and tasty orange citrus fruits, wet stone minerality, hints of lime and a core of steel. It’s a racehorse, beautifully proportioned, and built for both near term and long term enjoyment.——P.G.(2/1/2011)—— 94