An authoritative, distinguished Chard, from a producer with a good track record at this bottling. It’s ripe and immediately appealing, in the California style, but despite 100% new oak, it doesn’t taste oaky, and the citrus and tropical fruit flavors are balanced and complexed with wild herb and mineral notes. Should gain in interest over the next six years. ——S.H.(12/15/2008)—— 92