The only Napa white is the outstanding 2007 Chardonnay Gamble Ranch. Sbragia has long demonstrated a Midas touch with Chardonnay, and this is a beauty. Aged 8 months in 100% new French oak, it reveals a subtle note of hazelnuts intermixed with orange marmalade, lemon oil, and poached pears in a full-bodied, pure, ripe style that is both powerful and elegant. Despite the 100% new oak, the wood influence is very subtle. The well-known, former winemaker at Beringer, Ed Sbragia, has fashioned these cuvees at his home estate. His Sonoma offerings will be reviewed in the February issue of The Wine Advocate. However, I have included his Cabernet Sauvignon from the Monte Rosso Vineyard as well as his Andolsen Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek.Tel. (866) 222-4342

This massive, explosive Chardonnay is marked by extremely ripe pineapple, pear and peach fruit, accented with lots of sweet, caramelized oak. It’s a potent, high alcohol wine whose buttered popcorn flavors are complex by crisp acidity and minerals. A bit obvious, but a fine example of its style.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 92