The 2010 Chardonnay Nine Barrel is all about texture and polish. Lemon, white flowers, butter and spices are some of the many nuances that take shape in the glass. The flavors continue to build over time. A nicely shaped, voluminous finish rounds things out. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Tel. (800) 314-1762

The 2009 Chardonnay Nine Barrel is a selection from the estate’s best barrels of Russian River juice. It is an effortless, gracious wine laced with tropical fruit, sweet spices, pastry and lemon. Although the wine is quite rich in its flavor profile, there is no sense at all of heaviness. The Nine Barrel was vinified in French oak barrels (34% new), with full malolactic fermentation and lees stirring every 2-3 weeks. This is an impeccable wine from La Crema and winemaker Elizabeth Grant-Douglas. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Tel. (800) 314-1762

La Crema’s limited cuvee of 2006 Chardonnay Nine Barrel is fashioned from what the winemaker believes to be the finest nine barrels in the cellar. Readers should keep in mind that this is the 2006, which is not nearly as promising a vintage as the 2007. Nevertheless, this is a strong effort displaying aromas of tropical fruits, poached pear, honeysuckle, and brioche. Drink it over the next several years as I am suspicious of the aging potential of most 2006 Russian River Chardonnays. This Chardonnay / Pinot Noir specialist should receive rave notices from bargain hunters looking for a top-flight Chardonnay that is complex, rich, and widely available.Available through Vin Lux Fine Wines, tel.(866) 462-4641; Fax (866) 853-1707; www.vinluxfinewines.com

The 2003 Chardonnay 9 Barrel (a selection of the nine best barrels) is aged sur-lie, and displays more orange marmalade, honeysuckle, concentrated citrus oil, and lemon butter characteristics. Spicy, rich, and full-bodied, it is an outstanding Chardonnay to enjoy over the next 1-2 years. Tel. (800) 314-1762; Fax (707) 571-1448

The 2002 Chardonnay Nine Barrels (as its name indicates, a selection of the finest nine barrels) was aged sur-lie for 14 months, and bottled unfiltered. It possesses more alcohol, fruit, concentration, and orange marmalade-like characteristics. Drink it over the next 1-3 years. Tel. (800) 314-1762; Fax (707) 571-1448