Nothing subtle about this big, ripe, oaky Chardonnay. It shows the tropical fruit richness of a fine Alexander Valley Chard, flamboyant in pineapple custard flavor, with a flinty minerality. The sweet overlay of smoky oak is perfectly in keeping with the wine’s volume.——S.H.(4/1/2008)—— 87

Lack of oak is not the problem here. There’s scads of it, dripping with vanilla, buttered toast, caramelly char, the works. The fruit? Appley and pineappley, with a creamy texture and a hit of acids. ——S.H.(8/1/2005)—— 88