The 2009 Chardonnay Verna’s was fermented and aged in neutral oak with some batonnage. It presents deep, rich layers of tropical fruit, butterscotch and spices, all of which come together nicely on a rich, textured frame. The Verna’s finishes with excellent lushness and body. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Melville is one of the better known properties in Santa Barbara. The estate makes a wide range of wines under the direction of oenologist Greg Brewer, and also sells fruit to a number of other producers. The 2009 Pinot Noirs in particular are standouts. Brewer vinified the Pinots with one-third whole clusters. The 2010 Chardonnays had only recently been bottled and needed quite a bit of air to blow off some of their reductive qualities.Tel. (805) 735-7030; www.melvillewinery.com