The top of the line 2011 Chardonnay Stature opens in the glass with orange blossoms, nectarines, butter, roasted almonds and honeysuckle. A rich, vinous wine, the 2011 is a very typical and representative example of barrel-fermented California Chardonnay. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016. Once again, I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted at Kendall-Jackson. Virtually all of these wines are also relatively easy to find and exceptionally well-priced. There is little question Kendall-Jackson is a well-oiled machine. The discipline and professionalism of all the winemakers I tasted with is remarkable for such a large operation.Tel. (800) 769-3649

I drank this wine throughout an entire four course meal and it made everything, from salad to steak and dessert, better, even as it intensified. It’s fabulously rich and dry and acidic and complex. The Santa Maria Valley is famous for the tropical fruits and spices this wine shows in spades. ——S.H.(12/1/2004)—— 94

The 2000 Stature Chardonnay Santa Maria (760 cases) is even better than the 1999, boasting phenomenally intense aromas and flavors of tropical fruits in addition to higher glycerin levels and a rare viscosity. Its pure tropical fruit essence is nicely infused with smoky, toasty oak. This is a sexy, exotic Chardonnay. At the highest level of the Kendall-Jackson hierarchy are the Stature offerings. These are made in much more limited quantities than either the Great Estates or Grand Reserve cuvees. Hence, I have keep my tasting notes short as their commercial availability is restricted.Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (800) 600-5895

There are only 148 cases of the light green/gold-colored 1999 Stature Chardonnay Santa Maria. It spent 13 months in French oak, and is a full-throttle, Santa Barbara-styled Chardonnay offering notes of honeyed pineapple, guava, and other exotic fruits. It is full-bodied, layered, opulent, and viscous, with tremendous underlying acidity. This flamboyant effort will drink well for 2-3 years. This is a sexy, exotic Chardonnay. At the highest level of the Kendall-Jackson hierarchy are the Stature offerings. These are made in much more limited quantities than either the Great Estates or Grand Reserve cuvees. Hence, I have keep my tasting notes short as their commercial availability is restricted.Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (800) 600-5895

The 1998 Chardonnay Stature Santa Maria is loaded with tropical fruit. With huge quantities of glycerin, it cuts a broad mouthfeel, and has a textured, beautifully pure mid-palate and finish. Drink this layered, voluptuous Chardonnay over the next 2-3 years. Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (707) 579-3419