The liquid minerality of the 2007 Chardonnay Gravel Bench brings to mind a grand cru Chablis. Abundant wet stone characteristics along with a liqueur of rocks are accompanied by lemon blossom, nectarine, and quince notes. It, too, should drink well for 5-6 years. Stonestreet is becoming an excellent source for small lots of Chardonnay, although the basic Alexander Valley cuvee is very plentiful (6,500 cases). The single vineyard offerings (between 120 and 350 cases produced of each) are impressive efforts that are more similar than dissimilar since they all come from single vineyard lots, are aged in 50% new French oak (except for the Gravel Bench), and spend 11 months on their lees before bottling. Tel. (800) 355-8008; Fax (707) 433-9469

This is a first release from the winery’s estate vineyard, high atop the Mayacamas Mountains overlooking Alexander Valley. It’s intense and concentrated in pineapple creme brulee, peach puree, green apple, honeysuckle and smoky sandalwood flavors, undergirded with a firm minerality. Delicious and compelling, and should develop over the next six years. ——S.H.(12/1/2009)—— 93