Like tasting toothpicks. New oak accounts for just 40% of the aging, yet dominates with caramel, vanilla and buttered toast. Somewhere below are pineapple, pear, lime and honey flavors. Will appeal to Chardophiles who enjoy this New World style.——S.H.(11/1/2011)—— 85

Oak sticks out on this Chardonnay, with the aroma and flavor of buttered white toast dominating. But there comes an immediate rush of pineapples, limes and peaches, giving the wine a good balance of wood and fruit, and it’s very dry and crisp. At its best now, but don’t serve too cold. ——S.H.(6/1/2010)—— 88