The white wine program at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars has always lagged behind the brilliant reds, but recent vintages have revealed considerable improvement. Far more interesting white wines are being produced. The Chardonnays continue to go from strength to strength. The creamier, richer, more smoky and flavorful 1994 Chardonnay Reserve is aged in French oak casks and two-thirds is put through malolactic fermentation. Since the winery purchased a whole cluster press for fermenting its Chardonnay, the quality of these wines has improved tremendously. The 1994 Reserve Chardonnay displays elegant, buttery, honeyed flavors with considerable finesse, and a well-delineated, medium to full-bodied style. Pure, ripe, and tasty, it is ideal for drinking over the next 2-3 years. Tel. (707) 944-2020; Fax (707) 257-7501

The differences between the 1992 and 1993 Reserve Chardonnays is interesting to note. The 1992 Chardonnay Reserve, which was 100% barrel fermented in new oak, is made in a delicate, Chablis-like style. It offers crisp acidity, medium body, and an unobtrusive personality. On the other hand, the 1993 Chardonnay Reserve possesses more character in its ripe, tropical fruit and honeyed nose, greater flavor depth, more interesting texture, and a lusher, riper finish. This is the finest Chardonnay yet produced by owner Warren Winiarski.This winery enjoys a much deserved fine reputation for its bevy of complex, elegant, authoritatively flavorful red wines, particularly the Fay Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cask 23 Proprietary Red Wine, the latter one of California's benchmark wines. The white wine program has been less impressive, although progress is evident with each new vintage. Tel. (707) 944-2020; Fax (707) 257-7501.

The differences between the 1992 and 1993 Reserve Chardonnays is interesting to note. The 1992 Chardonnay Reserve, which was 100% barrel fermented in new oak, is made in a delicate, Chablis-like style. It offers crisp acidity, medium body, and an unobtrusive personality. On the other hand, the 1993 Chardonnay Reserve possesses more character in its ripe, tropical fruit and honeyed nose, greater flavor depth, more interesting texture, and a lusher, riper finish. This is the finest Chardonnay yet produced by owner Warren Winiarski. This winery enjoys a much deserved fine reputation for its bevy of complex, elegant, authoritatively flavorful red wines, particularly the Fay Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cask 23 Proprietary Red Wine, the latter one of California's benchmark wines. The white wine program has been less impressive, although progress is evident with each new vintage. Tel. (707) 944-2020; Fax (707) 257-7501.