This is a big, fat, unctuous Chardonnay marked by exceptional ripeness and smoky oak. Yet it never loses sight of balance. It’s powerful in candied or pie-filling pineapple jam, Mandarin orange zest, apricot brulee and vanilla custard flavors that are completely dry and accented with crisp acidity. This is an amazing price for a wine of this quality. Sommeliers, buy this beauty by the case.——S.H.(2/1/2009)—— 90