If you are looking for more oak in a Chardonnay, as well as richer fruit, Beringer's 1991 and 1992 Private Reserve Chardonnays are noteworthy choices. The 1991 Private Reserve Chardonnay exhibits a huge nose of sweet, buttery fruit, full-bodied flavors that ooze with richness, and a long, lusty finish. My experience has shown that Chardonnays such as this do not age well, so drink it over the next several years.
Beringer continues to do everything right. Its staff of talented professionals may rank as the best in the business. Beringer's Chardonnays take advantage of the rich, opulent fruit the warm growing climate and rich soils provide. Since 1991, the top Chardonnays have been 100% barrel-fermented and put through a malolactic fermentation. Both the Private Reserve and Proprietor Grown Chardonnays have soared in quality, with exceptional vintages in 1991 and 1992.
Beringer possesses some experimental batches of wine that are not likely to be released outside the winery. However, given the quality of such wines as their 1992 Pinot Blanc, 1992 Melon, 1992 Pinot Gris, 1992 Auxerrois, and 1992 Viogner, they are breaking new ground in California. Moreover, prices are reasonable.