For starters, the 2007 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast may be one of Pahlmeyer’s finest Chardonnays to date (it’s coming right on the heels of their two brilliant 2006 Chardonnays). Most of the fruit comes from the Ritchie Vineyard, a site from which Mark Aubert also produces incredible wines. This 1,600-case cuvee is fashioned from the old Wente and Mt. Eden clones. Like the finest California Chardonnays, it reveals a light greenish hue to its straw color in addition to a beautiful perfume of nectarines, brioche, subtle smoke, crushed rocks, and gobs of white peach and pineapple fruit. This full-bodied beauty should drink easily for 5-6 years. Things just seem to get better and better at Pahlmeyer, a long-standing, brilliant, remarkably consistent source for one of Napa’s finest Merlots, Chardonnays, and Pinot Noirs. Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786

Rich, intense and well-structured, with ripe pear, apple, melon and a dash of citrus, giving this full-bodied wine a long, complex, mouthcoating finish. Drink now through 2012. 1,620 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Sonoma / Sonoma Coast Select to Add

A massive Chardonnay, rich in fruit and oak. Shows long, decadent flavors of roasted pineapples, nectarines, honeysuckle, vanilla, buttered toast and meringue, dusted with cinnamon spice and brown sugar. Structure is fortunately provided by crisp acidity and even a framework of wood tannins. Now–2013.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 94