Impressive, but the most restrained and lightest of the group is the 2008 Chardonnay Dierberg. Crisp, elegant, honeyed citrus and brioche make up the aromatics of this medium-bodied, fresh, lighter style of Chardonnay, which is well-made and well-balanced. This is a dizzying array of wines, including four Chardonnays and eleven Pinot Noirs. Perhaps it is overkill, but the quality of the wines is very high, and Tantara remains one of the bright, shining spots for these varietals on the Central Coast. Among the four Chardonnays, two are from the Santa Maria Valley, the Dierberg and the Bien Nacido, the Talley-Rincon is from Edna Valley’s Arroyo Grande appellation, and the Brosseau from the limestone soils of Chalone. The Pinot Noirs essentially cover virtually every Central Coast appellation, from the Santa Lucia Highlands in the north to the Santa Maria Valley in the south.Tel. (805) 938-5051; Fax (805) 938-0036

A good Chardonnay, if a little unbalanced, showing some green, minty notes to the citrus and oak. Despite the rich creaminess, feels somewhat unripe. Drink now.——S.H.(8/1/2010)—— 86

The 2005 Chardonnay Dierberg Vineyard possesses a flowery, white currant-scented bouquet, medium body, and a shrillness caused by intrusive, high acidity. It will certainly hold up, but it may be slightly out of balance. Tel. (805) 938-5051; Fax (805) 938-0036

The two white wines I tasted include the outstanding 2004 Chardonnay Dierberg Vineyard, which offers excellent acidity, deep white peach, honey, and tropical fruit characteristics, superb definition, and a medium to full-bodied, long finish. Tel. (805) 938-5050

Tropical fruit and honeysuckle characteristics are present in the fruit-forward, opulent, extroverted 2003 Chardonnay Dierberg Vineyard. It exhibits good density, full body, great fruit, and a classic California orientation. Tel. (805) 938-5050