The two Chardonnays are nearly identical in quality despite the enormous difference in price. The value is the 2013 Chardonnay North Coast, which exhibits ripe pineapple and honeysuckle notes in a moderately endowed, mid-weight, elegant, fresh style with virtually no oak in evidence. Drink now-2017.

The 2008 Chardonnay, the estate’s most elegant, crisp, least wooded style to date, offers up notes of orange rind, lemon blossom, and apple skin in its medium-bodied, fresh, lively personality. It should be consumed over the next 1-2 years. Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174

Slightly sweet, with simple apple and mango juice flavors and a veneer of oak-like vanillins and caramel. Crisp acidity helps to make the finish clean. ——S.H.(3/1/2010)—— 82

The fruity, medium-bodied 2007 Chardonnay is ideal for present consumption. One of the value producers in northern California, Souverain consistently fashions attractive red and white wines. Souverain’s Cabernet Sauvignon program features fruit from the Alexander Valley, which can produce wines with rustic tannins and earth. I do not believe the quality of the 2005s and 2006s is as high as it was in 2004, 2003, and 2002, nor as high as what they should accomplish in 2007. Nevertheless, the 2005s and 2006s are well-made wines.Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174