One white was presented, the 2005 Chardonnay “Stillwater Creek Vineyard.” Medium straw-colored, the nose reveals vanilla, spice box, mineral, butterscotch, and baked apple. This straightforward effort has good flavors, moderate depth and concentration, and a pure finish. Drink it over the next several years. Tel. (425) 481-8317; www.noveltyhillwines.com

Rich, creamy and lush, this is right up to the very high standard set by the rest of Novelty Hill’s white wines. It’s rare to taste an American Chardonnay with this mix of exotically ripe fruit, baking spices and crisp natural acids. It just hits every base square on, and takes its time rounding third and heading for a home plate finish. A very impressive effort.——P.G.(11/1/2007)—— 93