The Red Shoulder Ranch vineyard has recently been replanted, so only 5,000 cases of this Chardonnay have been produced in recent vintages. It is generally a wine to drink during its first 2-3 years of life, as evidenced by the 2000 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch, which is still delicious, but not quite as exuberant and intense as it was only a year ago. It represents another abject lesson in ratings and why tasting notes are important as this wine starts off life superbly, but loses some of its vigor after two years, and needs to be drunk by the age of four. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454

The Red Shoulder Ranch vineyard has recently been replanted, so only 5,000 cases of this Chardonnay have been produced in recent vintages. It is generally a wine to drink during its first 2-3 years of life, as evidenced by the 2000 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch, which is still delicious, but not quite as exuberant and intense as it was only a year ago. It represents another abject lesson in ratings and why tasting notes are important as this wine starts off life superbly, but loses some of its vigor after two years, and needs to be drunk by the age of four. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454

Lavish and opulent, this 100% barrel-fermented wine is oaky, with an ultra-creamy texture and that sweet-and-sour flavor you get from extensive lees aging. The underlying fruit is very sophisticated, suggesting ripe apples. The finish is long and spicy. This wine has depth and offers plenty of interest. ——S.H.(12/15/2002)—— 93