The 2003 Chardonnay Rincon Vineyard possesses a baked apple skin/honeysuckle/apricot-scented nose. Exotic and ripe, it cuts a broad swath across the palate revealing the subtle influence of French oak, and a long, layered, concentrated finish. It’s a brilliant Chardonnay to enjoy over the next 3-4 years. Kudos to the Talley family for its impressive dedication to high quality wines.Tel. (805) 489-0446

This is a young, tight wine. It stuns with strong acidity and a bitter lime zest, almost gooseberry tartness. But it’s nobly structured, and badly in need of a year or two in the cellar, or extended decanting. Oxygen and warming up bring out exciting notes of tropical fruits, buttercream and oak. ——S.H.(12/1/2005)—— 92