The 2001 Chardonnay offers up gorgeously fresh citrus oil notes intermixed with a striking steely minerality, medium to full body, and a long, layered, backward finish displaying vibrant acidity yet loads of subtle, crisp flavors. While some vintages of these Chardonnays can last for 10-15 years without any sign of oxidation, the 2001 will drink well for 5-8 years. Along with Ric Foreman, there is no greater practitioner of the non-malolactic style of Chardonnay than Jim and Bo Barrett. They produce 10,000-11,000 cases of a non-malolactic, realistically priced Chardonnay ($30+ a bottle). Since 2000, they have moved to whole cluster pressing, which has generated more texture and perfume. These Chardonnays no longer have to be fined prior to bottling (they are sterile filtered since they do not go through malolactic). Tel. (707) 942-5105; Fax (707) 942-4221