The 1997 Chardonnay Private Reserve (20,000 cases) was given complete barrel fermentation as well as malolactic, and aged in small barrels, of which 85% were new. One of California's finest Chardonnays, this effort has consistently been an outstanding wine. The fact that Beringer is able to make such a high quantity at this quality level is admirable. The wine tips the scales at 13.4% alcohol, which is buried beneath the smoky, toasty, rich, buttery, tropical fruit. The wine displays leesy, roasted nut characteristics, as well as a boat-load of glycerin in its long finish. It should drink well for 2-4 years. The Private Reserve and the Sbragia Limited Release are the flagship Beringer Chardonnays. Release date, 1/99. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735