Two white wines have just been released, including the 2006 Chardonnay Vintner’s Select. It offers up copious aromas of lemon blossoms, nectarines, pear, crushed rock, and white flowers. Well-made with zesty acidity, it possesses that minerality that emerges from these high elevation vineyards. Consume it over the next 2-3 years. Previously recommended: 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (93+), 2003 Merlot Vintner’s Select Mountain Top Vyd. (91). Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 963-6039

This is quite a hefty young Chard. It takes the basic elements of ripe, potent fruit, oak, and Burgundian-inspired technique and elevates it all, a Chard on steroids. The peach, tropical fruit, pear, candied ginger and charry oak flavors have an acidic scour. Drink now and for the next 5 years.——S.H.(2/1/2008)—— 89