Made in the modern California style, new oak dominates this Chardonnay. Even though unused French barrels accounts for only 30% of the blend, the aromas and flavors of buttered toast, vanilla and caramel swamp what otherwise seems like a good, crisp, tropically fruited wine. Earns an extra point for fine minerality, the result of its pedigreed vineyard originis. ——S.H.(11/1/2011)—— 87