The 1997 Chardonnay Reserve was not very appealing, if only because the oak seemed to play an upper hand, subduing the exuberant fruit that can be produced in this region. The Reserve is nicely concentrated, smoky, and lavishly wooded with a buttery, oak-infused personality. Drink it over the next year.Tel. (888) 339-9463 Fax. (805) 934-3589

The 1996 Chardonnay Reserve is a 100% barrel-fermented cuvee given extensive lees contact. Sixty percent new French oak is used in the wine's upbringing. It is a rich, tropical fruit dominated wine with good acidity, loads of fruit, excellent definition, and a medium to full-bodied, spicy finish. The wood adds a complex element without dominating this wine's disarming fruit qualities. Drink it over the next several years. One-thousand cases were produced.Tel. (888) 339-9463 Fax. (805) 934-3589

Of the two Chardonnays I tasted, both are close to outstanding. The 1995 Chardonnay Reserve offers a light golden color, an excellent, toasty, smoky, tropical fruit-scented nose, bold, rich, nicely-textured flavors, medium to full body, and a longer finish than the regular bottling. Nevertheless, I would also opt for drinking this wine over the next year.Tel. (888) 339-9463 Fax. (805) 934-3589

The top Chardonnay in Cambria's portfolio is the Chardonnay Reserve, a blend of the best barrels in the cellar. Lush, ripe tropical fruit aromas and flavors are well-displayed in the 1994, as well as more high quality, toasty new oak, and a deeper, more powerful and concentrated feel on the palate. Moreover, this wine provides a hefty alcoholic kick. This is a big, boldly-styled Chardonnay to drink over the next 1-2 years.Tel. (888) 339-9463 Fax. (805) 934-3589

The current and upcoming releases include a perfumed, exotic, hedonistic 1994 Chardonnay Santa Barbara. It is a full-bodied Chardonnay with a red wine nose of strawberries, as well as tropical fruit and intense, toasty American oak aromas. There is nothing subtle about this medium to full-bodied, in-your-face Chardonnay. Drink it over the next year. Tel. (888) 339-9463 Fax. (805) 934-3589