This shows the tense acidity and dry minerality that make young Marimar Estate Chardonnays so brisk and fresh. It’s as elegant as Chardonnay gets, with a racy mouthfeel and rich, subtle tropical fruit and pear flavors. New French oak (100%) shows up in the form of buttered toast and wood tannins, but the wine is so big and powerful, it easily handles all that barrel weight. Drink now–2015. — (8/1/2012) —93

Made from a block in the estate vineyard, the Chardonnay shows classic Green Valley acidity and savory flavors of Key lime pie, stony minerals, Asian pears and pineapple brulee, with a rich coating of smoky oak. For all the opulence, it’s totally dry on the finish. Complex and compelling. Drink now–2013 for freshness and vitality.——S.H.(12/31/2009)—— 93