The 2011 Chardonnay Hope's Cuvée is a big, smoky, Meursault-styled Chardonnay revealing lots of roasted hazelnut, white peach, honeysuckle and baked apple skin-like characteristics. Readers who like plenty of oak and smoke in their Chardonnays will enjoy this offering, which is the antithesis of the naked, high acid, neutral wood-aged Chardonnays. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.

Rich and layered, offering aromas of white peach, honeysuckle and Asian pear. A touch raw and edgy, with a salty edge and a full-bodied finish. Drink now through 2020. 634 cases made. –JL

The 2011 Chardonnay Hope’s Cuvee is quite a bit fresher and more vibrant than the 2010. Lemon, lime, mint and white flowers all burst from the glass. The 2011 is distinguished for its energy and pure vibrancy. A lively, saline-infused finish rounds things out in style. This is a beautiful and highly promising wine from Ray Signorello. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019.

This bottling, from grapes grown in the winery's estate vineyard, has varied over the years. The 2011 vintage is not the finest expression, but it's a soft, easy-drinking Chardonnay with modest peach, pear and mango notes, along with substantial oak influence.