The 2012 Chardonnay Top Cream is 100% Chardonnay from the sandy-loamy soils of the Babcock Estate vineyard. Aged 9 months on its lees in 50% new French oak, it offers up classy aromas of buttered apples, stone fruits, white flowers and citrus blossom to go with a medium-bodied, balanced and beautifully focused profile on the palate. I like the overall balance here, and it has solid mid-palate depth as well, all suggesting it will evolve nicely over the coming 4-5 years. Tel. (805) 736-1455 www.babcockwinery.com