The 2009 Chardonnay Doc Stewart Vineyard was barrel-fermented and aged for 11 months in 25% new French oak with batonnage. Medium straw-colored, it displays an attractive nose of wood smoke, baking spices, melon, and poached pear. Medium-bodied, on the palate it has a creamy texture, savory fruit flavors, excellent balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Drink this excellent value now through 2016. Gilbert Cellars is a family owned and operated winery that began in 2004. Last year’s collection was impressive and the new releases are a notable follow-up.Tel. (509) 249-9049; www.gilbertcellars.com

Gilbert Cellars’ latest releases include one white wine, the 2008 Estate Chardonnay Doc Stewart Vineyard. It was aged sur lie with stirring for 10 months in 45% new French oak. Medium straw-colored, it offers up an excellent nose of lightly buttered popcorn, spiced apple, baking spices, with a hint of tropical fruits in the background. On the palate it offers a bit of complexity, good balance, and excellent volume. This tasty effort will provide pleasure for another 3 years. www.gilbertcellars.com