The fascinating 1996 Chardonnay Silhouette boasts a fabulous nose of smoke, butter, and toast, followed by full-bodied leesy, orange, mineral, and honeyed citrus-like flavors, a layered concentration, and excellent equilibrium and length. Fortunately, 1,000 cases of this large-scaled wine were produced. This wine could be inserted as a ringer in a grand cru white Burgundy tasting; it would be difficult to pick it out as a California Chardonnay. Given the quality of Merryvale's wines, and the talent of winemaker Bob Levy, I am surprised this winery does not receive more attention. Their Profile Proprietary Red Wine ranks among the top three or four dozen red wines of northern California, and their Silhouette Chardonnay is a brilliant Burgundian-styled wine with extraordinary richness and complexity. Tel. (707) 963-2225; Fax (707) 963-1949