Abeja’s Chardonnays are as certain to hit their target as a Kobe Bryant slam dunk, and the style remains consistent vintage after vintage. Spicy, nutty, based around stone fruits and melon, they do not shy away from the toasty flavors that derive from barrel fermentation in 40% new French oak. The underlying minerality and well-balanced acidity mark this as Washington fruit, most of it from the outstanding Conner Lee vineyard.——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 94

Abeja’s new releases include one white wine, the 2009 Chardonnay, 58% of which comes from the Celilo Vineyard, the balance from Conner Lee and Mill Creek. The wine was aged in 40% new French oak. Buttered popcorn, poached pear, spiced apple, and nutmeg aromas inform the nose of an elegant, concentrated, creamy-textured Chardonnay that should continue to blossom for another 1-2 years and drink well through 2017 if not longer. www.abeja.net/winery

Fresh and firm, with juicy primary fruits that meld together flavors of tropical and stone fruits—a riot of papaya, peach, pineapple, candied lemon and more. The butterscotch barrel notes glide into the mid-palate and coat the back of the throat, resonating long after the wine is swallowed. Based on previous vintages, this is a surefire six to eight year wine for cellaring.——P.G.(12/31/2010)—— 94