There are 285,000 cases of the 2002 Chardonnay Grand Estates, a superb value. This entirely barrel-fermented wine (60% American and 40% French, each of the 11,400 barrels has its lees stirred by hand every week for 6 months) reveals rich almond and spicy mineral aromas. Medium-bodied, satin-textured, and balanced, it offers loads of pear, apple, and melon flavors in its expressive character. Drink it over the next 2 years.
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