An expansive style, with lively acidity. Plump, ripe and buttery, this coats the palate with a rich array of fig, melon and tropical tangerine flavors, adding a floral, jasmine scent, enlivened by a nervy edge of acidity. Drink now. 1,100 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Sonoma / Sonoma Coast Select to Add

Intense, with pure, rich, vivid pear, apricot, apple and spice notes that take on a cedar and hazelnut edge on the finish, gaining length and depth. Ends with a burst of anise and smoke. Drink now through 2020. 1,400 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Sonoma / Sonoma Coast Select to Add

Pahlmeyer’s 2012 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast surprised me with the amount of oak that was showing. Normally, this winery has the Midas touch marrying oak with fruit, but this offering revealed slightly more butterscotch and vanillin than are usually found in young vintages. Once past that, the wine exhibits plenty of honeysuckle, ripe apricot and peach notes in a tropical, intense, exotic style. This somewhat eccentric, oaky Chardonnay should be consumed over the next 4-6 years. Completely sourced from the Ritchie Vineyard, the wine was aged in 85% new French oak for 11 months.

Raw and tannic, featuring a dense core of butterscotch, honeydew melon, creamy oak and subtle hazelnut. Should improve with time. Drink now through 2018. 1,000 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Sonoma / Sonoma Coast Select to Add

The 2011 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) emerges from the glass with honey, butter lemon oil, nectarines, mint and passion fruit, all supported by generous yet well-balanced French oak. A voluptuous wine for the year, the 2011 Chardonnay boasts impeccable balance and plenty of creaminess. It will appeal most to readers who appreciate bold, rich Chardonnays. Interestingly, the 2011 Chardonnay also clocks in at 14.9%, but the balance is far better in the Chardonnay than the Pinot. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Tel. (707) 255-2321