A more full-blown style than the regular bottling. Fairly rich and oaky, creamy, and leesy. More complex, with very bright fruity flavors. High acidity. Needs some time in the bottle to settle down.——S.H.(11/15/1999)—— 91

The spectacular 1995 Chardonnay Limited Reserve boasts sensational aromatics consisting of smoked, citrusy, honeyed fruit, and subtle, high quality new oak. In the mouth, it is full-bodied, with superb purity and equilibrium, and layers of rich fruit. The finish lasts for nearly 30 seconds. This is brilliant!Tel. (707) 257-1770; fax (707) 257-1538

The 1994 Chardonnay Limited Reserve possesses tart acidity, but its concentration and intensity tend to off-set the acidic bite. The acidity does give vibrancy and freshness to the wine's full-bodied, concentrated style. The wine's lemony, citrusy component parts are nicely touched by high quality smoky new oak. This wine needs another 3-6 months of bottle age, but it should drink well for 4-5 years.I realize its wines are commercially successful, but to my mind, this winery still practices the lamentable technique of adding too much acidity to their wines, particularly the reds. The wines too often possess a compact, compressed, tart character, simply because the added acidity lowers the wine's PH, obstructing and shielding the wine's texture, expansiveness, and flavors behind an abrasive wall of acid.Tel. (707) 257-1770; Fax (707) 257-1538

This vineyard produces expensive but superb Limited Reserve wines from the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The 1992 Chardonnay Limited Reserve is a spectacularly concentrated, honeyed wine bursting with tropical fruit and moderate sweet, toasty new oak aromas and flavors as well as gobs of glycerin and alcohol. With spectacular length, the wine still tastes unevolved, an indication that it may age and perhaps even improve for another 3-5 years. Tel. (707) 257-1770; Fax (707) 257-1538.

I lament the fact that this spectacular Chardonnay's availability is so limited. I believe it to be the first Limited Reserve Chardonnay made by Silverado since their 1987. The explosive bouquet offers enticing aromas of vanillin, smoke, coconuts, and honeyed fruit. There is great structure, superb richness, multi-dimensional flavors, a chewy texture, and high acidity. The overall impression is of a sensationally concentrated, well-knit Chardonnay with tremendous richness and impeccable balance. All the components are present for 2-3 years of compelling drinking.