The fruit-driven, medium-bodied, elegant, refreshing 1998 Viognier Vintner's Reserve offers that varietal's tell-tale tropical fruit cocktail nose and flavors. A touch of Chardonnay was added to the blend. Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (707) 579-3419

The surprisingly fine 1997 Viognier Vintner's Reserve is made primarily from Santa Clara/Contra Costa fruit. It exhibits this varietal's honeysuckle and apricot-like notes, medium body, good underlying acidity, no noticeable oak, and a touch of residual sugar. It is a tasty, medium-bodied, textbook Viognier to drink over the next year.The reasonably-priced Vintner's Reserve series of Kendall-Jackson's wines are noteworthy for their faithfulness to their varietal personality and their reasonable prices. The 1997 offerings are the finest series of Vintner's Reserve wines I have yet tasted from Kendall-Jackson. They are obviously fine values.Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (707) 579-3419

Pretty green apple, peach, wildflower and butter aromas. Very fruity and ripe, with a nice, round mouthfeel. Finishes slightly sweet. Try with Asian foods or fresh fruit. With nine percent Chardonnay and three percent Gewurztraminer.——S.H.(6/1/1999)—— 85