Acacia

2004 Chardonnay Carneros ($20). Full-flavored, with an appealing balance between juicy apple and bright citrus, with complex accents that include pretty toasted hazelnut, smooth spices and cream. Appealing, refreshing finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 04/06)

2003 Chardonnay Carneros ($20). Rich nose includes tropical fruit and butter, but the bright, lemony acidity in the mouth keeps the wine tightly wound, rather than overblown. Very appealing. Rich, complex finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05)

2001 Chardonnay Carneros ($20). Loads of flavor, including ripe pear, orange rind, fig and crème brulee. Nicely balanced; generous finish. Appealing structure and a good value. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Robyn’s Picks, 10/03)

Acre 2008 Chardonnay Central Coast ($16). Ripe, tropical citrus mingles with juicy green apple, picks up creamy oak influence mid-palate, then finishes crisp and dry. Food-friendly — and a good value! Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-06-02)

Alma Rosa

2008 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($19). Clean and pure, with juicy apple and pear fruit, picking up refreshing tropical citrus on the lightly creamy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-11-11)

2007 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills El Jabali Vineyard ($28). Fruit driven, with intense, aromatic nectarine and apricot fruit layered with juicy citrus, vanilla and wet stone accents. Long, pure, clean finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-11)

2007 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($20). A lot of complexity and finesse for twenty bucks, with juicy apple, smooth melon, a shot of citrus, spice and just a hint of creamy vanilla lending richness from the background. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-02-13)

2006 Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills El Jabali Vineyard($33). Loads of bright acidity support ripe pear and apricot fruit, with citrusy liveliness that stays fresh through the long, rich finish, picking up subtle layers of mineral, vanilla and toast along the way. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-02-13)

2006 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($20). Pretty aromas and mouthwatering tropical citrus flavors are the star here, with juicy apple, toast and cream playing a subtle role in the background. Long, juicy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Robyn’s Picks 08/08)

Amici Cellars

2004 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($30). We really love this wine, though it can come as a bit of a shock to anyone expecting an opulent, buttery Napa Chardonnay. This one is steely and clean, with complex, crisp green apple and juicy citrus layered with mineral, smoke and an appealing hint of earthiness. Long, mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 10/06)

2003 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($30). Positively bone dry, with crisp apple and apple peel and nectarine flavors laced with freshly grated nutmeg and toasty oak. Very nice. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 08/05)

Anapamu

2003 Chardonnay Monterey County ($16). An enjoyable balance of mouthwatering citrus and juicy tropical melon flavors, finishing with a dash of toasty, vanilla oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 08/05)

2002 Chardonnay Monterey County ($16). Clear, straightforward, easy to drink. Juicy apple and tropical fruit flavors and aromas, with a nutty oak finish that picks up toasty vanilla and nutmeg. Good for hot afternoon sipping! Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 06/04)

2001 Chardonnay Central Coast ($16). Ripe, juicy pear combines with a lush, tropical character and sweet vanilla oak to make a tasty wine. Slightly creamy mouthfeel; generous finish. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/03)

Ancien 2004 Chardonnay Carneros ($32). Really nice, with focused, intense pear and apple fruit aromas and flavors that are accented with green fig, lemon curd, brioche and toasty oak notes that combine to exotic effect. Finishes with a burst of refreshing citrus. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (World Wide Wine 02/07)

Arcadian

2002 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands Sleepy Holllow Vineyard ($30). Tightly wound and focused, with fragrant lime blossom and hazelnut grace notes on the pretty pear and crisp stonefruit flavors. Picks up mineral on the complex, slightly creamy finish. Nice supporting acidity throughout. Should age beautifully. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Richard’s Picks 12/06)

2000 Chardonnay Monterey Sleepy Hollow Vineyard ($30). Lush and full-bodied, with rich apricot and stonefruit flavors mingling with orange rind and wildflower honey notes. Smoky oak supports but does not overwhelm. Long finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/05)

Artesa

2007 Chardonnay Carneros ($20). Really pretty and nice balance and complexity at this price. Offers distinctive floral and bright citrus aromas and flavor accents to the core of crisp pear and apple fruit. Long, complex, evolving finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-13)

2004 Chardonnay Carneros Estate ($26). Ripe, vibrant, aromatic tropical flavors are laced with warm spices, toasty nut, caramel and oak notes, with a long, evolving finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/07)

1999 Chardonnay Carneros ($22). Spicy apple, pear, and caramel flavors on a well-balanced frame, with good acidity and a lingering, clean finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/01)

Babcock

2003 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($17). Great balance here, with a crisp, mineral-laced style. Ripe apple and nectarine aromas and flavors are layered with Meyer lemon, mineral and creamy notes that linger on the generous finish. Delicious! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05)

1998 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County Grand Cuvee ($35) — This is a pretty wine, with a rich perfumed bouquet and elegant palate. Rich ripe pear and fig fruit notes are smooth and creamy, with good spice and a long, luscious finish. Drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks, 01/01)

Baileyana

2003 Chardonnay Edna Valley Grand Firepeak Cuvee Firepeak Vineyard ($30). Intense apple fruit mixes with loads of citrus flavors and toasty oak. Nothing subtle here, but still tasty. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 12/05)

2000 Chardonnay San Luis Obispo-Monterey ($18). Luscious sweet vanilla laces ripe pear and apple, with a nice pineapple/citrus thread from beginning to end. Rich creamy finish. Lingers generously. A style for fans of loads of sweet fruit and accent flavors. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 06/04)

Barnett 2000 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($25). Focused pear is accented with concentrated tropical fruit, juicy apple, and a touch of subtle vanilla oak. Very nice acidity; full-bodied. Mouth-watering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine, 08/02)

Baystone 1999 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Saralee’s Vineyard ($20). Beautifully balanced and bright, with a wonderful combination of melon, ripe pear, and citrus fruits, plus touches of spice, oak, and a subtle creaminess. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 07/01)

Beaulieu Vineyard

2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros ($17). Absolutely delicious, with ripe, smooth pear, stonefruit and citrus flavors that pick up spicy, toasty oak, vanilla and cream through the lengthy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Great value here, too! Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-13)

2004 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($18). Nicely balanced, with aromatic, juicy citrus playing off smooth orchard fruit, a hint of toasty oak and appealing, subtle spices emerging on the lingering finish. A good value. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight 02/06)

2004 Chardonnay Carneros ($20). Elegant and restrained, with layers of pear, apple, mineral, toast and vanilla bean that mingle on the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight 02/06)

2000 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Reserve ($28). Excellent body and structure, featuring racy apple and pear fruit balanced with ripe fig, caramel oak, and exotic spice. Lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Robyn’s Picks, 12/02)

Belvedere 1998 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($12). This is a pretty, straightforward Chardonnay with nice orchard fruit, touches of dried apricot and herbs. Not too over the top, but not too lean either. Good value and very versatile, working with a wide variety of food pairings. We matched it with a Tex-Mex version of stuffed peppers using a spicy, cheesy, black beans and rice filling mix. (Weekend Wine, 07/00)

Benziger

2003 Chardonnay Carneros ($16). Aromatic tropical fruit and toasty oak introduce focused, ripe fruit flavors and toasty oak, with refreshing crisp acidity supporting it all. Easy to like. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05)

1999 Chardonnay Carneros ($16). Sophisticated layers of ripe pineapple, custard, mango, and hazelnut are framed on a solid acidity core. Good, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Very good with shellfish and other seafood. (Weekend Wine, 01/01)

1998 Chardonnay Yamakawa Vineyard ($25). Rich tropical notes begin on the nose and continue through to the long, slightly creamy finish. Nice caramelized oak. Ready to drink now and over the next few years. Pairs beautifully with a wide variety of seafood and poultry dishes. (Weekend Wine, 01/01)

Beringer

2008 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($16). Good value here, offering ripe apple, peach and melon fruit laced with fresh citrus, toasted spice and vanilla notes. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-11-17)

2008 Chardonnay Napa Valley Private Reserve ($35). Ripe and lush, offering bold, rich pear, fig and apple fruit layered with sweet vanilla, lemon curd, toasted hazelnuts, baking spices and cream notes lingering on the long, full finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-11-03)

2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley Private Reserve ($35). Lovely balance here, with rich pear and baked apple fruit on the one hand, and bright citrus, mineral and spice on the other – all folding into a smooth, complex, vanilla-laced finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Robyn’s Picks 08/08)

2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley Sbragia Limited-Release ($40). Truly a luscious wine, with rich lemon curd, ripe fig, caramelized vanilla, pear, roasted hazelnut, cream and spicy oak notes that are all supported by enough brightness and acidity to carry it off. Long, complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Robyn’s Picks 08/08)

2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($16). Nice – not overly complex, but good varietal flavors and body — pear, fig, citrus, honey, cream — with a moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 04/07)

2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley Stanly Ranch ($20). A splash of juicy citrus adds appealing balance to the ripe, spicy pear and cream flavors that linger through the finish. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 04/07)

2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley Private Reserve ($35). Liked the balance between lush pear and cream on the one hand, and snappy citrus and crisp apple on the other! Picks up clove, vanilla and toast on the long finish. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 04/07

2003 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($16). Rich and flavorful, with concentrated pear, citrus and fig notes. Finishes with opulent sweet cream character and toasty oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/05)

2003 Chardonnay California Founders Estate ($12). Slightly heavy on the smoky oak, but otherwise an easy to like Chardonnay, with ripe pear, tropicals, and orange zest flavors. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 06/05)

2002 Chardonnay Napa Valley Private Reserve ($35). Rich and opulent, offering ripe pear, fig, pineapple, cream, pie crust, nutmeg, and caramel flavors that evolve, gain complexity and seem to linger forever. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 08/04)

2002 Chardonnay California Founders’ Estate ($12). Caramelized apple and sweet pineapple are ripe and forward, with yet more sweet vanilla and plenty of oak. Seems rich and one-sided. Does pick up a slight citrusy note on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine, 04/04)

2000 Chardonnay Napa Valley Sbragia-Limited Release ($40). Creamy, rich and full-bodied, with ripe pear, peach and honeyed fig fruit layered with nutmeg, toasty oak and creme brulee accents. Picks up a touch of citrus zest on the lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or so. (Weekend wine, 04/03)

1998 Chardonnay Napa Valley Appellation Collection ($16). This value packed wine could easily be one of the best wines of the year. A sophisticated floral and earth bouquet opens up to ripe pear, quince, citrus, and honeysuckle on the palate. An unusual, intriguing finish keeps me coming back for more. Delicious now and will cellar well for at least three years. (Weekend Wine, 11/00)

Bernardus

2006 Chardonnay Monterey County ($20). Textbook stuff — with great balance at a nice price. Offering rich fig and pear flavors, aromatic citrus and toast, and creamy accents on the full, focused finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-13)

2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros ($25). Lush pear and nectarine fruit is ripe and clean, with an appealing lime zest character that emerges on the juicy finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 06/07)

2000 Chardonnay Monterey County ($20). Ripe and rich, with baked apple, plenty of toasty oak and a touch of citrus. Intensely flavored, but lacking in complexity. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/03)

1999 Chardonnay Monterey County ($20). Solid Chardonnay, offering clean, ripe fruit accented with toasty vanilla oak and a nice citrus note. Good finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine, 12/01)

Bianchi 2004 Chardonnay Edna Valley Jack Ranch ($20). Rich aromatics introduce sweet pear, delicate nutty oak and plenty of balancing citrus fruit, finishing with lingering, creamy vanilla. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (World Wide Wine 12/05)

Biltmore Reserve 2010 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($20). If I understand things correctly, Biltmore Reserve makes wine in North Carolina, but some of their fruit comes from California. And sometimes, enough of it comes from California that they can even put California appellations on the label. But anyway, this Chardonnay is tasty. With bright lemon and concentrated pineapple notes balancing the smooth, ripe pear and melon. Not over-oaked; moderate touches of spice and cream. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-01-14)

Bonterra 2004 Chardonnay Mendocino County ($13). Ripe and juicy, with loads of apple, pear and citrus that finish with a touch of cream. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/06)

Bouchaine 2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros ($30). Fresh, aromatic pineapple and peach flavors are laced with toasty oak, butterscotch and a touch of lemony brightness. Full-bodied, focused finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-08)

Buehler 2008 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($16). Intense passion fruit, melon and green apple aromas and flavors are accented with mineral and lemon curd, with a long, clean finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-06-02)

Buehler 2002 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($13). Lime blossom and creamy notes accent ripe pear and apple fruit, with a toasty oak and mineral finish. Quite nice — particularly at this price! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05)

Bridlewood 2002 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County Dijon Clones ($12). Loads of butter and coconut overwhelm moderate pear fruit. Seemed out of balance and rather lifeless. (Weekend Wine 12/04)

Buena Vista Carneros

2005 Chardonnay Carneros Ramal Vineyard ($32). Nicely balanced, with rich, creamy pear, vanilla and toasted hazelnut playing against bright citrus and crisp nectarine, folding together on a generous but focused finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or so. (Weekend Wine 12/07)

2004 Chardonnay Carneros ($19). Rich, ripe and aromatic, with fig and pear flavors that pick up a concentrated citrus note on the finish, along with cream and roasted nuts. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/06)

Burgess Cellars 1998 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($18). This is a charming wine with well-developed layers of elegant fruit and spice. The generous finish includes touches of vanilla and oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/01)

Byington

2000 Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains ($18). Crisp apple and citrus fruit is layered with subtle accents, including mineral, lime peel, jalapeno, and toasty oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 11/02)

2000 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($18). Rich apple and spicy pear fruit, with a creamy mouthfeel and nice acidity. Toasted hazelnut and fig develop on the lingering finish. Ready to drink now. Very nice with a variety of fresh, creamy cheeses. (Weekend Wine, 11/02)

Byron

2006 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Historic Vines ($35). Appealing for its pretty, clean tangerine and apricot notes accenting a core of crisp pear. Long, mouthwatering finish gains in complexity, picking up delicate cream, toast and spice notes. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-04)

2006 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Nielson Vineyard ($27). Had an appealing lime and tangerine quality beneath the cream, pear and honey flavors. With a long, silky finish. Very nice. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-23)

2001 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley ($25). Beautifully balanced, with smooth pear flavors offset by racy citrus and picking up delicate mineral, almond and cream notes on the focused finish. Ready to drink now. A lot of wine for the money! (Weekend Wine, 07/04)

2000 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Nielson Vineyard ($30). Rich lemon curd and spice aromas introduce spicy, ripe pear and complex tropical fruit flavors. Finishes lush and long, with toasted walnut and vanilla accents. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine 07/04)

C. Donatiello
2008 Chardonnay Russian River Valley 809 Clone Vineyard ($32). Spicy apple aromas and flavors are accented with mineral notes and pick up peach and citrus through the long, rich finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-24)

2007 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Orsi Vineyard ($38). Intensely aromatic spice and citrus notes accent concentrated apple and white peach fruit, with a silky, creamy finish floating over an impressive structure. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-24)

2007 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Maddie’s Vineyard ($34). Ripe pear, tropical citrus and baking spice notes mingle in this lively, full-bodied, pretty wine. With a swath of creme brulee through the long, silky finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-24)

2006 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($24). Full-bodied apple, pear and citrus fruit are supported by a generous amount of oak influence, with a rich, creamy finish. A more straightforward style than the other Chardonnays. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-09-24)

Cakebread 1997 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($23). From the winemaker: This wine has a generous aroma of citrus, ripe pear, green apples, and a mineral component with a subtle hint of oak. This wine has good depth with an ideal balance of fruit and crisp acidity and a fresh, silky finish. (Richard’s Picks 12/99)

Calera

2010 Chardonnay Mt. Harlan Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Vintage ($30). A rich, ripe style, with a big creamy finish and silky apricot flavors combine to make a lovely wine. Generous length, with touches of vanillin oak and spice. Can be too much for delicate food pairings — try something like satays with peanut dipping sauce. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-04-26)

2009 Chardonnay Mt. Harlan ($29). Rich and ripe, certainly, but with a mineral edge and bracing acidity that makes the whole thing absolutely fantastic. With waves of pure nectarine, Golden Delicious apple, aromatic white flowers, complex citrus notes and a chalky mineral note that lingers on the evolving, elegant finish. Ready to drink now but should age beautifully over the next 5+ years. (2011-01-06)

2007 Chardonnay Mt. Harlan ($25). In a word — gorgeous. Crisp Asian pear, apple and mineral-laced citrus aromas and flavors stay focused and elegant through the full, complex, evolving finish. Very good now and over the next five or six years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-11)

2006 Chardonnay Mt. Harlan ($25). Quite stylish, offering rich, elegant, ripe pear laced with fig, lemon zest, mineral and toasty hazelnut notes that linger on the generous finish. Rich, but nicely balanced. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Robyn’s Picks 06/08) Locate this wine online or in your area. (Robyn’s Picks 08/08)

2005 Chardonnay Mount Harlan Thirtieth Anniversary Vintage ($25). Sleek and elegant, with pear, restrained citrus, mineral and vanilla, with a touch of rich cream on the focused finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 10/07)

2005 Chardonnay Central Coast Thirtieth Anniversary Vintage ($16). An annual favorite around here, this special edition vintage offers ripe nectarine, melon and juicy citrus flavors and aromas that pick up toasted spices and cream on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/07)

2004 Chardonnay Mount Harlan ($25). Mineral, lime zest and fresh herbal notes accents ripe tropical fruit flavors that stay fresh through the finish. Very nice. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/07)

2004 Chardonnay Central Coast ($15). Seems like everytime we run an article on great deals on really good Chardonnays, this bottle is featured. With elegant, complex flavors including crisp apple and pear, ripe nectarine, mineral and a rich, creamy finish that picks up a bright lemon curd note. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 10/06)

2003 Chardonnay Central Coast ($14). We’re always surprised that this Chardonnay is available at this price point. Elegant, complex, silky… with a pretty balance of pear, tropical melon, wet earth, toast and cream that continue to evolve through the long finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/06)

2002 Chardonnay Mt. Harlan ($34). Distinctive minerality accents ripe pear and apricot, picking up fig and cream on the silky finish. Delicious. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 10/06)

2002 Chardonnay Central Coast ($14). If you’re looking for complexity at a Bargain price, you couldn’t do much better than this. Earth, mineral, lemon curd and toast accent juicy pear and a touch of peach. Lingers delightfully. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 10/05)

2001 Chardonnay Central Coast ($14). Seductively smooth, with nicely interwoven flavors that include juicy apple, lemon curd and ripe tropicals that come together in a lingering vanilla and spice finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/04)

2000 Chardonnay Mt. Harlan ($34). Unique, as always, with compelling mineral and earth accents to the focused pear and fig flavors, with a long, evolving, complex, slightly smoky finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 10/05)

2000 Chardonnay Central Coast ($18). Offers a tremendous amount of complexity and character, especially at this price point. Smoky, wet stone aromas echo in the finish, with dried fig and orange zest accenting ripe fruit flavors, picking up roasted hazelnut. Lingers elegantly. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 05/04)

1999 Chardonnay Mt. Harlan ($34). Rich and golden hued, offering elegant flint-laced apricot and fig fruit, with honeyed orange notes on the complex finish. Stays elegant, avoiding super-ripeness. Delicious now and over the next three years. (Winery Spotlight 06/04)

1999 Chardonnay Central Coast ($18). Straightforward spicy pear fruit, with citrus and herbal note emerging on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/02)

1998 Chardonnay Central Coast ($22) — This is exactly the kind of Chardonnay that I crave! Layers of rich, ripe fruit, toasted oak, dried apricot, honey, and wet earth flavors are integrated in a smooth, full-bodied package. The aftertaste goes on and on. Excellent now and will age nicely for at least the next five years. (Richard’s Picks 01/01)

1997 Chardonnay Mt. Harlan ($38). Pear and ripe apple fruit are accented with intense mineral and smoky notes. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 10/02)

1991 Chardonnay Mt. Harlan ($N/A) The wine was aged but far from tired, offering an intense greenish gold color and complex aromas and flavors of orchard fruits, musky tropical fruit, wet stone and light cream. We enjoyed every drop paired with a perfectly ripened Camembert and a fresh-from-the-oven crusty baguette. Heaven. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-13)

Cambria

2008 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Katherine’s Vineyard ($22). Silky peach and apricot at its core, with layers of ripe pineapple, juicy green apple, and creamy, smoky oak. Picks up distinctive minerality through the lush but bright finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-08-12)

2007 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Bench Break Vineyard ($25). Aromatic peach and pear flavors are laced with vanilla bean, toast, baking spices and a touch of citrus. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-03)

2006 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Katherine’s Vineyard ($19). Smoky aromas and flavors accent bright, crisp apple and white peach fruit, picking up orange zest and spices on the lingering, evolving finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-10-16)

2000 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Bench Break Vineyard ($29). Outstanding wine, offering a lovely balance of juicy apple, nectarine and lush fig fruit with waves of creamy vanilla, toasty oak, and a touch of roasted hazelnut. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 02/03)

1996 Reserve Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Reserve ($30). Great acidity frames layers of fruit, heavy on tropical flavors like papaya and pineapple, with a nice lingering finish. Very good now, but might be worth cellaring for a couple of years to see what else develops. (Weekend Wine 05/00)

2001 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Katherine’s (19). Ripe pear and fig fruit flavors are focused and concentrated, with layers of spicy vanillin oak and toasted nuttiness. Nice depth and balance. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Good value at this price. (Weekend Wine 02/03)

Canyon Road 1998 Chardonnay California ($8). This wine has a nice deep, golden yellow color with lots of butter and apple flavors. It is a light to medium weight, with supple, tasty fruit flavors up front. The wine is crisp and well balanced; the finish very satisfying. (Richard’s Picks 02/00)

Carmel Road

2008 Chardonnay Monterey County ($18). A nice balance of ripe fruit and zesty acidity, offering ripe pear, melon, tropical citrus, lemon-lime notes, and toasty vanilla and cream through the medium-bodied finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-10-28)

2007 Chardonnay Arroyo Seco Clark Ranch ($35). Very nice — possibly the best of the tasting! — with smoky caramel aromas introducing pear, fig, hazelnut and sweet spices, finishing with a bracing, focused lemon zest note. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-03)

Carmenet

2002 Chardonnay California Cellar Selection ($9). Peach, orange blossom and peach skin tartness mix with clean, pretty stone fruit flavors. Picks up an almond note on finish. A pretty, feminine wine. Nice value. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 06/04)

2002 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($16). Rich fig, pear, honey and cream are full-bodied and silky. A welcome citrus note in the finish adds balance. Needs to be paired with rich food – think creamy pastas or buttery veal dishes. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight 12/03)

2001 Chardonnay California Cellar Selection ($8). Luscious peach and apricot fruit is surprisingly elegant and complex. Picks up a citrusy acidity on the tasty finish. Great value. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 06/03)

Carpe Diem 2003 Chardonnay Edna Valley Firepeak Vineyard ($26). Orange zest accents apple and pear fruit, with vanilla and plenty of toasty oak. Oak nearly overwhelms the fruit, but not quite. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 12/05)

Cecchetti-Sebastiani 2000 Chardonnay Central Coast ($12). Juicy pineapple and pear are accented with bright citrus, toasted hazelnuts, oak, and subtle herbal notes. Tasty finish. Good value! Ready to drink now. (Wine, Food, Bookclub 04/02)

Chalone Vineyard

2005 Chardonnay Chalone ($25). Delicious, with nicely balanced nectarine, pear, fig, hazelnut, cream and toasty oak, finishing bright and clean. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/07)

2005 Chardonnay Monterey County ($10). Fresh citrus and tropical aromas introduce smooth ripe pear flavors that are accented with cream and toast and finish with a burst of bright citrus. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 02/07)

2004 Chardonnay Carneros ($25). Rich pear and nectarine flavors and aromas are accented with toast and smoke, with a creamy, ripe finish that lingers nicely. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/06)

2004 Chardonnay Monterey County ($12). Crisp, aromatic pear and nectarine fruit is deftly accented with freshly grated nutmeg, toasty oak and a burst of fresh citrus on the appealing finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 10/05)

2003 Chardonnay Chalone ($25). Roasted hazelnut and spicy vanilla aromas and flavors lace lush, ripe pear and stonefruit, picking up orange zest and appealing mineral notes on the lingering finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 08/05)

2002 Chardonnay Chalone ($25). Buttery, spicy, ripe pear and apple is accented with white pepper, mineral and a balancing crisp citrus splash. Picks up honeyed notes on lush, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 08/04)

Chateau Montelena

2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($50). Bright and intensely concentrated, offering an elegant array of aromas and flavors — white peach, green pear, dried apple, mineral and light spice notes, with texture and style. Medium-bodied; complex, long finish. Ready to drink now but will age beautifully for 5-7 years, or more. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-22)

2001 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($33). Exceptional balance and structure, with a rich citrus bouquet introducing focused pear and tropical fruit, fig, plenty of lively acidity and a long, luscious finish that picks up a slightly spicy note. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Richard’s Picks 02/04)

Chateau Souverain

2004 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($17). Bright, aromatic citrus notes add juicy balance to pretty pear and creme brulee flavors. Finishes with touches of spicy fig and another burst of citrus. Excellent value. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/05)

2003 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Winemaker’s Reserve ($30). Ripe, aromatic pear, melon and citrus flavors are medium-bodied and mix prettily with orange blossom, cream and kicky spices. Finishes fresh and lingering. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/05)

2003 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($14). Smoky oak supports bright pear, apple and lemon citrus fruit, with toasted almonds and vanilla coming through on the fresh finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05)

2002 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($14). Always a good value and excellent quality, this vintage offers balanced pear, apricot and citrus flavors, with nicely integrated accents that include flint, caramel and spices. Delicious! Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 06/04)

2000 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($14). Refreshing and balanced, with sweet pear and peach fruit accented with nutmeg, toasty oak, and hazelnut. Creamy mouthfeel, but still very clean and pure tasting. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. A Chardonnay with heavier oak might have been too much for the delicate fish dish we matched with it, but this wine worked quite well. Still one of the best California Chardonnay values around! (Weekend Wine 02/02)

1999 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($14). Refreshing, showing balanced fruit, good concentration, and touches of toasted nuts and spice along with integrated oak. Ready to drink now and over the next year. (Richard’s Picks 12/01)

Chateau St. Jean

2007 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($14) would be a great choice for holiday gatherings — it’s medium-bodied melon and pear flavors are accented with juicy tropical citrus and touches of aromatic baking spices and creamy vanilla. Finishes clean and easy. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-01)

2006 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($14). Buttered popcorn aromas and flavors accent rich pear and pineapple fruit, with a long, creamy finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 12/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2002 Chardonnay Alexander Valley Belle Terre Vineyard ($22). Ripe stone fruit and tropical melon flavors and aromas mingle with generous toasty oak, creamy vanilla and spices. Long, lush finish. Very nice. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2003 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($14). Loads of sweet, vanillin oak supports juicy nectarine, pear and fig flavors. Nice. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2002 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($14). Lots of bang for the buck here, with plenty of smoky oak, wet earth and spice accents to the ripe pear and juicy citrus flavors. Harmonious and tasty from beginning to lingering end. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s PIcks 10/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2001 Chardonnay Sonoma County Reserve ($45). Lush ripe pear, apricot and fig flavors are deftly layered with tropical citrus, roasted hazelnut, creamy vanilla and toasty oak. Complex, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s PIcks 10/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2001 Chardonnay Alexander Valley Robert Young Vineyard ($25). Ripe, bold aromas and flavors include pear and apricot, with plenty of butter, smoky oak and a touch of lemon zest on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s PIcks 10/04) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2001 Chardonnay Alexander Valley Belle Terre Vineyard ($22). A lovely wine – integrated flavors are balanced and elegant, with soft apricot and pear fruit that picks up a nectarine note on the lingering, smoky, complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Wine Skinny Best 10/04)

1999 Chardonnay Alexander Valley Robert Young Vineyard ($25). Very nice structure, featuring sophisticated fruit, balanced oak, and a wonderful toasted hazelnut note. Good concentration and a lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or so. (Weekend Wine 01/02)

1998 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($12). Succulent tropical fruit and ripe pear are the stars here — both on the nose and palate. Creamy vanilla, toasty oak, and nutmeg addd interest and balance. Very nice finish. All in all, an excellent value. (eVineyard Picks 09/00)

1997 Chardonnay Carneros Durell Vineyard ($22). This one is a little unfair, because it is only sold at the Chateau St. Jean tasting room, but all the more reason you should pay them a visit. The winery is a beautiful place – we highly recommend it. If you do go, be sure to taste this Chardonnay. It is rich and creamy, but with a spicy undercurrent that makes for a balanced, superb wine. (Robyn’s Picks 02/00)

1996 Chardonnay Alexander Valley Robert Young Vineyard ($32). A blockbuster Chardonnay – the aroma of orchard fruit, honeysuckle, and vanilla knocks you out as you raise the glass. On the palate, this lushness is countered with spice and a touch of citrus, and finishes long and clean. (Robyn’s Picks 02/00)

Chumeia

2003 Chardonnay California Simpson Vineyard ($10). Delicate green apple and pear fruit flavors are laced with cream and spice. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 12/04)

2001 Chardonnay Monterey County ($16). Plenty of smoky oak is layered with ripe pear and tropical fruits, with a line of citrus freshness from beginning to end. Finishes long with a touch of caramel. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 12/04)

Cinnabar 1998 Chardonnay Reserve California ($35). Rich and ripe, but balanced with bright lime and acidity. The mouthfeel is decadent and creamy, and the finish is generous but clean. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Richard’s Picks, 08/01)

Clos du Bois

2007 Chardonnay North Coast ($15). A ripe, creamy style, with full-bodied apple and pear fruit, apple pie spices, and a buttery finish enlivened with a hint of lemon curd. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-14)

2002 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($14) It had been quite a while since we tasted this wine. And have to say that we were pleasantly surprised! A generous citrus and nectarine tanginess played off the richer apple and vanilla flavors, with good length and appealing buttery toast accents. (Weekend Wine, 10/03)

Clos Du Val

2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros ($24). Strikes an appealing balance between richness and fresh fruit character, with ripe peach fruit accented with bright citrus and a touch of cream on the long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 06/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2005 Chardonnay Carneros ($22). Very nice, with a core of lemony concentration supporting lush pear, peach and fig flavors. Appealing balance and a long, toasty finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/07)

2004 Chardonnay Carneros ($22). Deftly balanced, with richness on the one hand, and mouthwatering acidity on the other. Tropical melon, crisp pear, cream, citrus and smoke mingle through a long, juicy finish. Food friendly! Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine 06/06)

2003 Chardonnay Carneros ($21). Classic hazelnut, fig, butterscotch and pear offer appealing palate weight and richness. A zip of citrus on the finish keeps it from being heavy. Lush, lingering finish. Good value on classic Napa Chardonnay. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 06/05)

Clos LaChance 1999 Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains ($19). Sophisticated layers of fruit, smoke, and toasted oak make this wine special. Would be suitable for pairing with a special menu, and would pair especially well with game birds. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Richard’s Picks, 08/01)

Concannon

2009 Chardonnay Livermore Valley Conservancy ($15). Aromatic lemon peel and smoky notes accent ripe pear and stonefruit flavors and carry through to the finish, where a burst of citrusy freshness brightens the creamy texture. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-07-22)

2008 Chardonnay Livermore Valley Conservancy ($15). Aromatic lemon zest and dried pineapple accents add interest and liveliness to the ripe pear and peach flavors, picking up moderate touches of buttered toast and creamy vanilla through the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-30)

2006 Chardonnay Central Coast Selected Vineyards ($10). Darn good for a $10 Chardonnay, with tropical fruit laced with juicy orange citrus and toasty oak. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/08)

Cuvaison

2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros ($24). Tropical fruit and light floral aromas introduce ripe pear and peach fruit that pick up touches of spice, wildflower honey and toast through the long finish. Nice complexity and balance. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-13)

2004 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Estate Selection ($36). Complex layers of aromatic, ripe pear, lemon curd, cream, orange zest and toast linger on the generous, rich finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine 06/07)

2004 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros ($25). Always a reliable Chardonnay, this vintage is no exception. With elegant pear, fig, toasted hazelnut, vanilla, baking spices and a touch of cream on the lush finish – this is poster child stuff. Generous finish. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 02/07)

2001 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros ($22). Delicate aromas of nutmeg and vanilla laced tropical fruit introduce this rich, concentrated wine. Juicy apple, fig and citrus fruit mingle on a full-bodied frame, with balanced spicy oak and medium acidity, picking up a trace of mineral on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Shop for this wine now at wine.com. (Weekend Wine, 03/03)

2000 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Estate Selection ($35). Ripe but still elegant, with a rich bouquet and bold flavors. Ripe pear, fig, plenty of creamy oak, toasted nut, and touches of lemon curd and floral notes on the finish. Quite impressive. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 03/03)

Dancing Bull 2004 Chardonnay California ($12). Offers an appealing lemony snap to the ripe tropical melon flavors. Finishes clean and juicy. Easy to drink now! (Bargain Wine 08/06)

Davis Bynum

2010 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($25). Yummy. With a nice balance of ripe tropical fruit, lemony brightness, rich creamy notes, and toasty oak emerging on the full finish – it’s sure to appeal to just about everyone. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-04-26)

2008 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($25). Appealing for its interplay of rich creme brulee, ripe tropical fruit, and bright citrusy accents to the crisp, clean core of green apple. Long finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-07-01)

De Loach

2006 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($16). Very nice, with concentrated, crisp, bright green apple aromas and flavors laced with mineral, lemon zest and light touches of cream and spice on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/08)

2000 Chardonnay California ($12). Rich bouquet is promising, but pear and citrus fruit turn simple mid-palate and bitter into the finish. (Weekend Wine, 08/02)

Deep Sea 2008 Chardonnay Central Coast ($24). Licorice and citrus aromas introduce full-bodied, silky apple and pear fruit, with pie crust and spice accents. Finishes somewhat alcoholic. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-11)

Deerfield Ranch 1999 Chardonnay Sonoma Valley Labbe Vineyard ($30). Ripe but not overly so, with vibrant pear and citrus fruit flavors that are clean and balanced. Creamy and complex overall, with the citrus emerging more on the finish, where it mingles with understated oak. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 04/02)

Destino

2001 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($32). Medium-bodied, with balanced apple and juicy pear fruit, delicate melon, roasted hazelnut and toasty oak. Elegantly styled finish lingers but stays fruity and clean. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 08/03)

2000 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($36). Buttery and rich, with ripe pear and fig fruit flavors, crème brulee, and creamy vanilla oak. Lingering finish. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 08/03)

Domaine Alfred 2003 Chardonnay Edna Valley Chamisal Vineyard Califa ($38). The other favorite Chardonnay of the tasting, with super rich fig and honeyed pear, toasted walnut, and fresh spices. An appealing citrus through-line lingers on the forever finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (World Wide Wine 12/05)

Domaine Chandon 2000 Chardonnay Carneros ($19). This is an outstanding wine at a great price. It’s packed with rich flavors, including concentrated pear and fig fruit, and accented with toasted hazelnut and creamy vanilla oak. There’s no buttery mouthfeel here; the wine stays clean and refreshing from start to elegant finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Robyn’s Picks 08/02)

Dry Creek Vineyards 2000 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($16). Not much in the way of a bouquet, but straightforward apple and pear on the palate have subtle citrus and toasty oak accents. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 01/03)

Dutton-Goldfield 2002 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Dutton Ranch ($30). Distinctive flavor profile includes medium-bodied ripe pear and papaya, with refreshing underlying lime citrus, and sweet vanilla cream on the rich, lengthy finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 08/04)

Dynamite 2004 Chardonnay Mendocino County ($15). Plenty of butter and cream, certainly, but some appealing juicy apple that shines through. In some ways, this one seems like a pricier wine – at least to some people’s preferences. A nice kick of nutmeg on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/06)

E. & J. Gallo

1999 Chardonnay Northern Sonoma ($45). Rich and ripe, with complex layers of pear, apple, citrus, fig, toasted hazelnut, yeast, butterscotch and nutmeg. Outstanding overall integration of flavors, with a very generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. (Richard’s Picks, 02/04)

1998 Chardonnay Northern Sonoma ($50) This is a spectacular example of just how good a California Chardonnay can be. Complex and sophisticated, the rich lush fruit is expertly balanced with mouthwatering acidity that carries through to the very end of the lingering creamy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next few years. It was an excellent match to some beautiful huge shrimp that we grilled and served with a spicy remoulade sauce (thanks to an Emeril cookbook!) over a tossed baby greens salad. (Weekend Wine, 09/01)

Echelon

2003 Chardonnay Central Coast ($10). Really pretty, especially at this price. With creamy pear and fig flavors picking up juicy lemon and, finally, buttery oak on the finish. (Bargain Wine 10/05)

2000 Chardonnay Central Coast ($13). The spicy vanilla oak on the finish adds some interest, but otherwise this is a fairly ordinary wine with not quite enough ripe Chardonnay fruit character. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 01/02)

Edmeades 2000 Chardonnay Anderson Valley ($18). Opulent ripe tropical fruit is tempered slightly with apple and refreshing citrus, with nicely integrated oak gaining intensity on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 08/02)

Edna Valley

2005 Chardonnay Edna Valley-San Luis Obispo County Paragon ($12). Always a reliable bargain, it seems, this vintage offers a rich array of aromas and flavors, including smoky oak, pear, white peach, toast and a dash of bright citrus. Generous finish. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 02/07)

2004 Chardonnay San Luis Obispo County Paragon ($14). Loads of lemon-lime aromas and flavors, along with creamy vanilla and a touch of earth. Refreshing and juicy — and stays that way through the finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/06)

2003 Chardonnay Edna Valley San Luis Obispo County Paragon ($14). Very nice, with buttery oak on the finish adding dimension and interest to the juicy nectarine and zippy spice flavors. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05)

2000 Chardonnay Edna Valley Paragon ($17). Crisp fruit and acidity is balanced with lush ripeness. Wonderful finish. A wine that is very well structured and a great value. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Wine, Food, Bookclub, 12/01)

Emma Pearl 2009 Chardonnay Central Coast ($18). A nice debut from this brand new label, offering appreciable balance between brightness and richness at a good price. With pretty pear, baked apple, citrus notes and touches of toasty vanilla, baking spices and cream. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-08-24)

EOS Estate

2002 Chardonnay Paso Robles Cupa Grandis Grand Barrel Reserve ($40). Almost French in style, with an elegant array of apple, pear, caramel and nutmeg flavors. Lush, evolving, complex, and with a solid acidic backbone. Pairs nicely with food. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Party Planning, 02/04)

1999 Reserve Chardonnay Paso Robles ($24). Full-bodied, creamy and rich, this is a nice example of a big Chardonnay from the quickly expanding Paso Robles region. White orchard fruit is nicely balanced with citrus and floral notes, with plenty of oak on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 10/01)

Estancia 2000 Chardonnay Monterey Pinnacles ($13). Is it us? Or has the quality of this wine slipped a bit at the same time that the price has crept up? Still perfectly drinkable, with pear, citrus, and vanilla oak notes. Just nothing special — and not quite the bargain that it used to be! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 05/02)

Far Niente 2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($56). Smooth, opulent, aromatic tropical melon is laced with bright citrus zest, wet stone, and spicy oak that all linger on the long, fleshy finish. Very nice now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Robyn’s Picks 08/08)

Ferrari-Carano 2000 Chardonnay Carneros Reserve ($32). Another stunning vintage from this Chardonnay powerhouse, exhibiting opulent swirls of ripe pear, citrus, honey, toast, Asian spices, and roasted almond. Lush, lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Robyn’s Picks, 10/03)

Fess Parker

2009 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills Ashley’s ($32). Offers Fiji apple, apricot and smooth pear flavors, and a pretty citrus note that plays off the creamy, silky texture. Finishes bright and rich. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (2011-01-08)

2009 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($18). Nice wine for the price! With ripe pear enlivened with touches of juicy pineapple and tangerine, and a creamy, silky mouthfeel. Picks up a touch of fresh herbal note on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (2011-01-06)

 

2008 Chardonnay Sta Rita Hills Ashley’s ($28). There are moments in wine tasting that really blow you away, and the first sip of this wine was one of those moments. Beyond good, it’s a knockout. Structured, masculine, nothing sweet and blousy here. With layers of ripe pear, fig, tightly-wound citrus, pronounced mineral, biscuit, cream and hazelnut notes mingling through the complex finish. Very good now and should age beautifully, over the next 5+ years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-09-22)

2008 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($18). Medium-bodied and appealing — like biting into a fresh, juicy apple. With generous lemon and stony accents, it finishes clean and refreshing. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-13)

Festival 34 2007 Chardonnay Central Coast ($13). Fresh and juicy, with Golden Delicious apple, crisp pear and citrus fruit, with moderate touches of cream and caramel on the finish. Nice for the price! Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-04-25)

Fetzer 1999 Chardonnay Barrel Select Mendocino County ($13). Showing bright pear and apple fruit, good oak, and a touch of nutmeg spice — this is a good medium-weight Chardonnay. Ready to drink now. Food friendly. Everyone enjoyed it with the cheese and cracker appetizers and into the salad course! (Weekend Wine, 06/01)

Flock 2008 Chardonnay Mendocino ($15). Pretty and balanced, offering ripe pear and red apple flavors laced with tangerine, lemon, baking spices and toasty oak. Nicely done for the price. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-06-02)

Foppiano 2009 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($22). A lot of wine for the money, offering rich, ripe pear and crisp, golden apple fruit, with tropical citrus, mineral, baking spice and creamy notes through the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-05-01)

ForeFront by Pine Ridge Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa-El Dorado-San Luis Obispo ($24). Excellent value on this new label from Pine Ridge. Offers intense, rich blueberry, blackberry, currant, sage, mint, coffee and toasted vanilla notes and a long, plush finish with some underlying grip. Just a baby now. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-16)

Forest Glen 1999 Oak Barrel Fermented Chardonnay ($9). Tropical fruit is the star here, with doses of citrus and creamy oak that add balance and interest. Lingering finish. Ready to drink now. (ETFOFW, 08/01)

ForestVille 1998 Chardonnay California ($7). Bright upfront fruit and a touch of spice, with a surprisingly complex finish, and it’s just hard to beat this kind of price. Pairs well with food — think in terms of grilled fish, boiled shellfish, smoked salmon. (Weekend Wine, 06/00)

Franciscan Oakville Estate

2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Cuvee Sauvage ($40) is rich and full-bodied, with ripe pear and smoky cedar accented with fig and creamy vanilla notes that fold into a long, mouthcoating finish. The oak on the finish might be too much for some, but the unexpectedly bright fruit hangs in there until the end. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-11-03)

2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley Cuvee Sauvage ($35). With aromatic lemon curd and fig notes that repeat on the palate, it also offers rich but balanced pear, vanilla and cream, and a delicious apricot character that lingers on the bright finish. Was sorry to see the last drop go! Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. A nice pairing for a roasted cod dish, it would also work with a big Thanksgiving feast! (Picks & Nibbles 11/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2002 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($17). Tropical fruit and nutty oak aromas and flavors are accented with earth and juicy citrus, with a pleasantly creamy finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Frank Family Vineyards

2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($33). Oh so nice, with vibrant citrus and nectarine flavors playing off smooth pear, toasted vanilla, buttery toast and bright spice notes. Long, lush finish. Just delicious. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-23)

2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($33). Very nice, with elegant, aromatic shadings of crisp pear, bright citrus and fig that build slowly through the seamless finish, picking up warm spices along the way. Delicious now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($33). Delicious! Ripe nectarine and crisp pear combine with mineral, cream, fig and butterscotch on this rich, but balanced wine. Long, lush finish. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 04/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2004 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($33). Rich enough for those who want a mouthfilling, creamy finish, but still balanced. With appealing citrus and nectarine mingling with baked apple, cream, toasted almond, and a touch of caramel. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Freemark Abbey

2010 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($25). Appealing for its lush, smooth character and flavors of ripe pineapple, juicy lime and smooth melon. Picks up nutty oak, cream and spice accents through the pretty finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-04-26)

2009 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($22). Rich and creamy, but with balancing citrusy acidity and mineral touches that make this a very good wine. Ripe peach, pear, tropical fruits and apricot, with toasty oak and caramel notes through the full finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-01-06)

2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($20). Silky smooth, with ripe apple and melon flavors accented with baking spices and rich creme brulee notes that linger on the generous, balanced finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-11)

2002 Chardonnay Rutherford ($19). Clean, bright flavors include apple, pear, fig and apricot that stay focused from beginning to lingering end, with oh-so-subtle touches of toasted hazelnut and wildflowers. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Frei Brothers

2007 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Reserve ($20). Ripe, lush peach character is balanced against crisp apple, tropical citrus, cream, buttered toast and light, fresh spice notes. With a generous, toasty finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-04-02)

2006 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Reserve ($20). Bright pear and apple flavors are accented with generous toasty oak, nutmeg a touch of citrus and cream, with the oak influence driving the persistent finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-28)

2004 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Reserve ($20). Strikes an appealing balance between rich, creamy vanilla and fig flavors on the one hand, and bright, juicy citrus and spices on the other. With a generous finish. Nice value, too! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/06)

2002 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Northern Sonoma Reserve ($20). Fresh citrusy bouquet is laced with toasty oak. Fruit-forward style features crisp apple and pear, with touches of bright peach and citrus. Picks up a light spiciness on the pretty finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 04/04)

2001 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Northern Sonoma ($20). Delicately balanced pear, orange blossom, and light citrus aromas and flavors turn creamy and buttery on the lingering finish. A very pretty wine. Ready to drink now. (Weekend wine, 06/03)

2000 Chardonnay Russian River Valley, Sonoma County Reserve. The 1999 premiere vintage of this wine was widely praised as an outstanding Sonoma Chardonnay that exhibited perfect balance between lush ripe fruit and creamy oak on the one hand, and racy acidity and freshness on the other. The 2000 vintage is every bit as good, with a slightly more pronounced apple crispness that lends additional complexity to the fruit profile. Lingering finish remains clean and leaves you wanting more. At $17 a bottle – have as much as you want! Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Robyn’s Picks, 02/02)

1999 Chardonnay Northern Sonoma Russian River Valley Reserve ($16). This was very good and the clear group favorite. Beautifully balanced, showing layers of crisp apple and citrus, accented with opulent tropical fruit notes. Just the right amount of oak. Quite food friendly. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/01)

Fritz 2003 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($22). Appealing bright fruit flavors, including citrus and juicy pear, mingle with cream and spicy oak. Nice acidity and structure. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/05)

Frog’s Leap Winery 1998 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($22). This is a citrusy crisp, clean wine that has good chalk and earth notes. (Weekend Wine, 11/00)

Gallo Family Vineyards/Gallo of Sonoma

2004 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Laguna Vineyard ($28). Rich and ripe, with nectarine and tropical melon character balanced with touches of mineral, cream and toast that emerge on the pretty finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/07)

2004 Chardonnay Sonoma Reserve ($13). With the new Gallo look and label, this wine offers a smooth mix of ripe pear and melon, a touch of citrus and toasty, vanillin oak on the finish. Easy to like and ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/06)

2003 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Laguna Vineyard ($24). Smoky oak supports silky pear and nectarine fruit, with subtle accents of earth, creamy vanilla and toast. Long, intense finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/05)

2003 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($13). Fresh fruit aromas and flavors, including crisp apple, papaya and citrus zest, with good acidity balancing vanilla and generous smoky oak. Finishes crisp and clean. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks, 12/04)

2002 Chardonnay Laguna Vineyard ($22). Rich and creamy, with voluptuous peach and melon flavors laced with appealing mineral complexity, toasty oak and aromatic butterscotch. Generous finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05)

2002 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($11). Clean, juicy and pretty, with balanced, elegant pear and apple fruit with slight tropical accents. Could use a bit more fragrant bouquet, but otherwise an all-around winner. Perfect for the cocktail hour or with food. Hard to beat this value! Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 06/04)

2001 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($11). Refreshing tropical aromas introduce this smooth, balanced wine. Juicy apple and pear fruit, subtle citrus, toasty oak and just a touch of spice. A lot of wine at this price! (Weekend Wine, 02/03)

2000 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Laguna Ranch Vineyard ($23). Lovely peach and vanilla aromas. On the palate, crisp apple and ripe pear fruit mingle with toasty hazelnut and vanilla notes. Rich, complex finish. Wonderful now and over the next two or three years. (Robyn’s Picks, 12/02)

1999 Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley Stefani Vineyard ($23). Elegant, with just enough creaminess balanced with bright acidity. Pure fruit shines through, with a sophisticated mineral/earth note mingling with understated oak on the finish. Outstanding now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine, 01/02)

1999 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Laguna Ranch Vineyard ($24). This sophisticated Chardonnay offers a creamy pear and fig fruit profile that is nicely balanced with spice, mineral notes, and an appealing smokiness that lingers on the generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next few years. (Party Planning, 06/01)

1999 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($11) — This is a good example of the California Chardonnay movement toward a more balanced structure and away from the overly oaky, buttery Chardonnays of the recent past. This wine has very nice acidity and structure, featuring plenty of citrus fruit along with measured doses of pear, vanilla, and oak. Easy and ready to drink at a nice price. (Weekend Wine, 10/00)

1998 Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley Stefani Vineyard ($22). Perfectly balanced and full bodied, this wine shines with ripe pear and apple fruit, along with touches of spicy oak and kiwi. Finishes clean. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight, 02/01)

1997 Chardonnay Stefani Vineyard Dry Creek Valley ($20) This is a wine that I’ve been anxious to sample, and I really enjoyed it. It finds a very nice balance between rich ripe orchard fruits and bright citrus flavors. Its delicacy surprised me, and the lingering complex finish was delightful. Repeat after me: “Wine is food. Wine is food.” (Weekend Wine, 08/00)

1997 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Laguna Ranch Vineyard ($22). Widely heralded, and with good reason, this Chardonnay is for those of us who love a rich, complex finish. This one is particularly marvelous in that it picks up in intensity just when you think it might be tapering off. Rich pear, orchard fruits, vanilla, and toasty oak are beautifully balanced with perfect acidity. Yowsa! (Weekend Wine, 04/00; Robyn’s Picks, 06/00)

Geode 2006 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($16). Appealing butterscotch accent to smooth, aromatic tropical fruit flavors, with touches of citrus and toast on the finish. Easy drinking on the patio! Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-03-08)
Geyser Peak 2004 Chardonnay Alexander Valley ($14). Appealing aromatics include floral, baking spices and cedar, with juicy pear and nectarine flavors lingering through the finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/06)

Gloria Ferrer 2007 Chardonnay Carneros ($18). Bright and racy, with a vibrant array of citrus notes balanced against ripe peach. Long, refreshing finish with a touch of cream. Ready to drink now and over the next few years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-13)

Gnarly Head 2009 Chardonnay California ($11). A nice surprise at this price, particularly for the style — easy, crisp, refreshing, with ripe citrus accents to the smooth melon and pear flavors. Picks up just a touch of vanilla through the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-04-13)

Goosecross Cellars 1999 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($24). Mouthwatering acidity sets off clean, crisp pear and apple fruit, with an appealing mineral note and just a touch of honeyed fig. Racy and bright from start to delightful finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 05/02)

Greg Norman California Estates 2008 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($15). Juicy and easy to like, offering bright peach and ripe tropical fruit laced with lemony zip and light touches of vanilla and spice. Finishes clean. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Grgich Hills Estate

2008 Chardonnay Napa Valley Estate Grown ($42). Don’t even think about opening this wine yet — it’s made to age (I assume), and needs to age. The green apple, lemony citrus and green mango flavors are youthful and even tart now, but will develop and smooth out over time. There’s also a definite mineral edge here. Should be really interesting in about 3 or 4 years. (2011-01-06)

2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($42). Ripe pear, peach and fig fruit are layered with toast and light spices, with a fragrant lemon acidity that brightens and balances the oaky notes and lingers on a long, rich finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-08)

2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($42). Clean and focused, with crisp green pear and apple fruit layered with lemon zest, mineral notes, and cedar. Long, evolving finish. (As usual, the winery did not put this wine through malolactic fermentation. In addition, this the first vintage of this wine since the winery’s Chardonnay vineyards were certified organic and biodynamic.) Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-22)

2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley Estate Grown ($40). Rich and layered, with vanillin oak supporting ripe pear and fig fruit, roasted nut and cream that mingle on a full-bodied finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (World Wide Wine 12/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2004 Chardonnay Napa Valley Estate Grown ($38). Elegant and beautifully structured, offering crisp, aromatic pear and nectarine fruit with touches of wildflower honey, citrus zest and mineral that mingle on the long, complex finish. (Weekend Wine 10/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.

1997 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($27). Wonderful, with a beautiful golden yellow color and intense bouquet. It is rich with pear, vanilla, and hazelnut, but still balanced. It has a spicy undertone that I really love. It is great now and will cellar for a number of years. (Richard’s Picks, 12/99). Simply put, this Chardonnay is everything it’s supposed to be. Rich, sophisticated layers of clean pear, citrus, hazelnut, vanilla, oak, and spice combine with perfect acidity and a lingering finish. Hard to beat at any price. Fabulous now and should improve with age for the next three years. (Weekend Wine, 05/00) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Groth

2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($28) is fresh, clean, bright and elegant. With lemon curd and green apple aromas and flavors that pick up touches of toast and cream as well as a slight flinty note on the appealing finish. Nice complexity here! Ready to drink now. (2008-09-08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2003 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($26). Very nice, with a great balance of fresh, juicy green apple and pear flavors, mineral notes, and a slight earthiness. Well structured, finishing clean with a touch of spice. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 06/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.2005 Chardonnay Sonoma-Santa Barbara-Monterey Counties Overlook ($26). Spicy oak aromas and flavors support crisp pear, lemon zest and cream that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/07)

Guenoc Winery 1998 Chardonnay North Coast ($14). Slightly vicious citrus upfront is balanced by enough spicy pear and plenty of toasted hazelnut to make this a good hot weather refresher. Drink now. (Weekend Wine, 05/00)

Hanna

2008 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($22). With loads of concentrated green apple and juicy melon on one hand, and plenty of creamy, buttery, spicy oak on the other — this wine might benefit from another year or so in the bottle. Give the two halves a chance to integrate. But nice! Best from 2012-2015. (2011-01-06)

2002 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($19). Ripe tropical aromas introduce quite a sophisticated wine, with rich pear and nectarine flavors laced with toasty vanilla and creamy caramel accents. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks 06/04)

Heron 2007 Chardonnay California ($12). Easy and appealing, with smooth tropical melon and fresh citrus notes. Finishes clean. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-28)

Hess Select 2000 Chardonnay California ($11). Ripe pear and apple fruit are nicely balanced with citrus and spicy oak, with a good lingering finish. Not necessarily the most sophisticated Chardonnay in the world, but a solid wine and a heck of a buy at this price. Routinely available for under $10 — look for it and buy a case for the holidays! Always a terrific choice to pair with a big old-fashioned Thanksgiving meal for a crowd. (Weekend Wine, 11/01)

Hestan 2008 Chardonnay San Francisco Bay ($50). A really lovely wine, offering impressive layers of fig, tropical melon, dried pineapple, cream, spicy oak and hazelnut notes. Starts broad and fleshy; finishes focused and sleek, lingering nicely. Delicious now and should age nicely for a few years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-08-24)

Hogue 2002 Chardonnay Columbia Valley Genesis ($16). Lush tropical fruit balances nicely with spicy, toasty oak, freshly grated nutmeg and cream, with the fruit staying focused and forward through the lingering finish. Very nice. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 01/05)

Hollywood & Vine 2003 Chardonnay Napa Valley 2480 ($45). Heady bouquet includes ripe, vibrant peach, apple, floral and vanilla notes – all repeated on the palate, along with ripe fig and welcome citrus acidity. Nothing shy or retiring here, this is blockbuster Chardonnay – but the acid keeps things fresh and lively all the way through the lush finish. Very good now and over the next three or four years. (Splurge Wine 04/05)

Hook & Ladder 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Russian River Valley ($25). Smooth and silky, with black currant and cherry flavors accented with touches of mint and chocolate that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-16)

Indigo Hills

2000 Chardonnay Central Coast ($12). Medium-bodied, showing a nice combination of citrus and tropical fruit notes accented with toasty oak and a slight earthiness. Refreshing. Versatile with food. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 01/02)

1999 Chardonnay North Coast ($13). Unexpectedly complex, with floral and delicate lemon peel notes on the bouquet and the start of the palate, evolving into creamy pear and toasted oak mid-palate and on through to the finish. Tastes like summer in a bottle! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 05/01)

Iron Horse 2006 Chardonnay Sonoma County Green Valley Unoaked ($26). Pretty stuff, with aromatic, flavorful green pear, honeydew and citrus that stay crisp and elegant through the long, complex, mineral-driven finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-09-20)

Ironstone 1999 Chardonnay California ($9). This is an easy, refreshing wine. Light- to medium-bodied, featuring pleasant citrus and apple fruit flavors. Just a bit of oak on the clean finish. Nothing overwhelming here, but easy to match with food and a good choice for a summertime crowd. Ready to drink now. Paired nicely with an aged Gouda. (Weekend Wine, 07/01)

Irony 2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($14). A tasty little Napa Chardonnay at this price, with plenty of creamy richness and ripe tropical notes, but also some bright green apple fruit and acidity. The finish even shows a bit of complexity. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

J. Lohr 1997 Chardonnay Monterey Riverstone ($9). Silky and solid, with apples and fig, a touch of honey, and a lingering finish that turns slightly citrus, this wine was liked by all. (Wine Tastings, 6/99)

Kendall-Jackson

2009 Chardonnay California Vintner’s Reserve ($14). A good example of the style that this wine popularized from the beginning — with ripe tropical aromas and flavors (pineapple, mango, melon) laced with plenty of toast, vanilla and light spice notes. Ready to drink n0w. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-04-26)

2008 Chardonnay Monterey-Santa Barbara Counties Grand Reserve ($20). A nice surprise — and widely available — this offers rich, ripe tropical citrus and melon notes balanced by bright lemon-lime acidity, with lime zest, cream and toast notes through the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-11-17)

2008 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County Jackson Hills ($25). Pretty, bright, clean — offering ripe tropical citrus and melon character laced with cream, mineral, toast and nutmeg, with a long, complex finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-08-13)

2008 Chardonnay California Vintner’s Reserve ($15). A good value for this style — rich, ripe pineapple and tropical melon with plenty of buttery, creamy, vanillin oak character. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-20)

2007 Chardonnay Santa Barbara-Monterey Grand Reserve ($21). Just a lovely wine — and a lot of elegance and structure for this price. Offering pretty pear and melon fruit laced with focused lime oil, lemon curd, toasty vanilla and light cream notes that evolve into a long finish. If you don’t know about KJ’s Grand Reserve line, this is a wine that should make you check it out! Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-08-30)

1999 Chardonnay Monterey Great Estates ($27). This is a classic California Chardonnay, with rich flavors and a creamy mouthfeel. Ripe pear and dried fig notes are balanced by refreshing citrus and toasted oak. Generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 08/01)

1997 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay ($9). If you don’t already know about Kendall-Jackson’s Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnays, then let me tell you about them. For years, I have purchased the latest vintage of this wine, and I’ve always been very satisfied. It consistently provides a rich vanilla and oak taste for under $10. This is great, reliable wine that works wonderfully with food, and can serve a crowd at a great price. Try the 1997 vintage that’s currently on the shelves. (Richard’s Picks, 10/99)

Kistler 1998 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast ($32). This Chardonnay is sophisticated and elegant, showing integrated layers of crisp pear, citrus, and ripe tropical fruit, with touches of honey and toasted oak. The structure and balance are excellent, and the finish is generous. Ready to drink now, this wine will still age beautifully for two or three more years and would be a lovely special occasion wine. (Wine Skinny Cooks, 01/01)

Kunde 2000 Chardonnay Sonoma Valley ($16). Fresh tasting, with clean, bright fruit notes accented with spice and oak, with a quite creamy finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 11/01)

La Crema

2009 Chardonnay Monterey ($20). Smooth, silky, full-flavored, with ripe tropical citrus and melon aromas and flavors accented with lemon curd, bright apricot and toast. Long, sleek finish. Very nice. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-06-03)

2007 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast ($23). Fresh and fragrant, with honeysuckle and citrus lacing ripe apple and pear fruit, with delicate spice and creme brulee notes on the long, clean finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-09)

2007 Chardonnay Los Carneros ($30). Starts slow and oak-driven, with muted fruit aromas and flavors, then builds to pretty pear and stone fruit, finishing with some tropical citrus touches and rich cream and spices. Could use a bit more time in the bottle. Best from 2010 to 2014. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-03)

2007 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($30). Offers an appealing brightness and clarity to the ripe pear and apple fruit that floats over the creamy, oaky base. Stays juicy and rich through the finish, picking up spice and creamy vanilla along the way. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-03)

2002 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($35). A pretty combination of nectarine, orange blossom and citrus flavors and aromas lead the way, picking up toasty oak and caramel notes on the lush finish. Very good now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 08/04)

Lambert Bridge 1999 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($20). Lush, with complex ripe fruit, balanced oak, good acidity, and a creamy finish that lingers but stays clean. All in all, a textbook Sonoma Chardonnay. (Free the Grapes, 12/01)

Landmark

2004 Chardonnay Sonoma County Damaris Reserve ($36). Classic ripe Sonoma flavors here, including rich pear, fig, hazelnut and cream, with appealing lime zest and toasty vanilla emerging on the long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine 10/06)

2003 Chardonnay Sonoma-Monterey-Santa Barbara Counties Overlook ($25). Rich and ripe, with focused peach and fig and tropical fruit flavors and aromas layered with balancing zesty citrus and mineral on a creamy, vanilla-laced finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05)

2001 Chardonnay Sonoma-Monterey Counties Overlook ($25). A consistent favorite around here, this vintage offers the same balance of ripe fruit, toasty oak and excellent acidity we’ve enjoyed in years past. Features full-bodied pear and apple fruit, spice and hazelnut flavors and a generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine, 07/03)

2000 Chardonnay Sonoma-Santa Barbara-Monterey Counties Overlook ($25). This is another winning edition of the Overlook Chardonnay, exhibiting generous ripe fruit notes and toasty oak that combine to make a complex, sophisticated wine with a creamy lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. A terrific match to a smoked trout appetizer. (Weekend Wine, 11/01)

1999 Chardonnay Sonoma-Santa Barbara-Monterey Counties Overlook ($25). This is an always excellent Chardonnay, and the 1999 vintage is no exception. Rich but balanced, with wonderful acidity checking the ripe stone fruit and lush fig, with toasty hazelnut and spice on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. It was a wonderful match to a seared scallop dish at XYZ at the W Hotel, San Francisco. (Weekend Wine, 11/01)

1997 Chardonnay Sonoma County Overlook ($18). This was a tasting group favorite. It is beautifully balanced, with pear and creamy vanilla. (Wine Tasting Party, 6/99)

Lewis Cellars

2001 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($40). Concentrated and full-bodied, with a rich honeyed bouquet that leads to peach, pear, and fig fruit, and roasted hazelnut and vanilla oak accents. Lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two years. (Weekend wine, 04/03)

1998 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($32) — Sophisticated and elegant, this wine shows integrated fruit and oak, with very nice honey and citrus accents. Full-bodied and smooth, this is an excellent wine with an outstanding finish. Very good now, and should age nicely for three or four years. (Richard’s Picks, 01/01)

Liberty School

2008 Chardonnay Central Coast ($12). Crisp, clean and refreshing, offering bright citrus accents to the Asian pear and marmalade flavors, and creamy vanilla on the finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-04-26)

2007 Chardonnay Central Coast ($12). Nice value here! Crisp and focused, with Granny Smith apple and Asian pear flavors laced with light touches of tropical citrus, fig and toast. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-13)

Liparita 1999 Chardonnay Carneros ($24). Generous citrus mingles with ripe pear and nectarine fruit, with creamy oak that lingers on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Richard’s Picks, 02/02)

MacRostie 2000 Chardonnay Carneros ($20). This winery produces tens of thousands of cases each year, but still seems to be less well-known than we realized. If it’s new to you, you owe yourself a bottle of this consistently good Chardonnay — ASAP. The 2000 vintage is outstanding, offering rich, ripe pear and tropical fruit flavors layered with creamy vanilla, orange peel, and toasty hazelnut notes. Lush, generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine, 08/02)

Madroña Vineyards 2003 Chardonnay El Dorado 30th Anniversary ($36). Rich, ripe and full-bodied, with waves of ripe pear and apple set against crème brulee, nutmeg and hazelnut accents, with a nice touch of lemony freshness on the long finish. Ready to drink now. (Splurge Wine 08/06)

Maple Creek 2002 Chardonnay Yorkville Highlands-Mendocino County Artevino ($28). Loads of pear and juicy ripe fruit flavors and aromas stay elegant and focused through finish. Pear and more pear! Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/04)

Marcelina

2003 Chardonnay Carneros ($24). Crisp and aromatic, with juicy green apple and citrus mingling with spicy, vanillin oak and a dash of earth on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 03/05)

2001 Chardonnay Carneros ($25). Sweet vanilla and apple bouquet introduces focused apple and melon fruit, with lovely floral and delicate baking spice notes. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Robyn’s Picks, 10/03)

2000 Chardonnay Carneros ($22). The first Carneros Chardonnay from Marcelina, this wine shows bright pear and peach, a touch of juicy tropical fruit, and creamy toasted oak, all nicely balanced on a crisply acidic frame. Generous finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Richard’s Picks, 02/02)

Markham 2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($21). Bright and juicy, and not at all heavy, with tropical citrus and melon fruit accented with tart lime zest and a dash of mineral. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Robyn’s Picks 08/08)

Mary Elke 2008 Chardonnay Anderson Valley ($19). Crisp and clean and a full-on bargain at this price. Like taking a bite of fresh, red-skinned apple, but so much better ‘cuz it’s wine. With hints of mineral, green pear and fig, and a mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Not much made, so buy it if you can find it. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-08)

Matanzas Creek

2008 Chardonnay Bennett Valley ($40). Honeyed fig and pear aromas and flavors are rich and complex, with notes of mineral, cream, melon and honeysuckle on the pretty, evolving finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-06)

2007 Chardonnay Sonoma Valley ($29). A sleek, lemony throughline stays crisp and elegant from beginning to end, and supports ripe pear, tropical citrus and fig flavors. With touches of toast, butter and cream through the long, rich finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-02-26)

Matchbook 2008 Chardonnay Dunnigan Hills Old Head ($15). Aromatic, ripe and lush, with peach, apricot skin, ripe apple and melon flavors that build through the full finish, picking up touches of baking spice and toast along the way. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-11-17)

Matrix 2007 Chardonnay Alexander Valley Stuhlmuller Reserve ($36). Plenty of rich oak influence here, but not over the top. Offering creamy and slightly buttery accents to the ripe apple and fig fruit, with toasted, spicy notes through the finish, along with a touches of orange zest and toasted hazelnut. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-06)

Mayacamas

2008 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($30). Definitely showing the nutty, smoothed-out effects of a few years of aging, offering silky peach, apricot, dried apricot and sultana notes accented with hazelnut, pie crust and orange zest. Lingering, nuanced finish. Ready to drink now. (2011-10-19)

2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($35). Sleek, clean, refreshing — offering focused steely citrus character leading the way and supported by crisp white pear and green melon notes, wet stone minerality, and the lightest possible trace of grated nutmeg. Think Chablis, not California. Lovely now and will age gracefully for 5-10 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-10-22)

2006 Chardonnay Mt. Veeder – Napa Valley ($35). A pretty array of green fig, melon, pear and apple is accented with touches of lime zest, straw, toast and vanilla that linger on the finish. Tempting now but will age nicely, for 5+ years at least. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-08)

2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($35). Fresh and crisp, offering lemon zest and distinct minerality accents to the focused green pear and fig fruit, picking up subtle touches of spice on the concentrated finish. Appealing now but will age nicely for at least another five years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Robyn’s Picks 08/08)

2004 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($35). Sleek and stylish, with elegant pear accented with nuances of dried pineapple, mineral, lemon zest and fresh herbal notes that fold together on a complex finish. Tempting now, but best after a few years of bottle age. (Splurge Wine 10/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2003 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($32). Still one of our all-time favorite California Chardonnay producers ever, this vintage offers tightly wound pear, lemon, mineral, hazelnut and spicy vanilla that linger elegantly on the complex, long finish. Tempting now and over the next seven or eight years. (Weekend Wine 10/06) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2002 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($32). Intense aromas and flavors include loads of citrus — lime, orange — and wet stone. Evolves to include pineapple, lime curd, floral, mineral and almond notes that linger on the complex finish. Tempting now and over the next six or seven years. (Weekend Wine 10/05) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2001 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($50). Available again now as a library release from the winery, the wine has actually gained fruit intensity, with more citrus and ripe tropical flavors at the forefront. The stone and mineral notes are still there, but more in the nose and finish. And a burst of mouthwatering acidity seems to indicate that there are still years of life in this delicious wine. (Splurge Wine 10/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2001 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($32). Tightly wound citrus and stone, mineral, green apple and just a touch of clean tropical flavor. Pure and fruit-driven, almost austere, with practically no oak character. Excellent choice for cellaring. Best from 2007-2012. (Weekend Wine, 08/04)

2000 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($45). Mayacamas‘ library release program is just one more reason to get hooked on this winery. Right now, they’re offering their 2000 Chardonnay, and it’s well worth the order. At this point, it’s really showing beautifully, with well-developed pear and apple character that is smooth and silky. The citrus notes have lost their youthful zing and have moved more toward dried pineapple and lemon marmalade. The finish is rich and elegant. It still has some life in it for sure, but it’s really lovely now. (2011-01-06)

2000 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($32). No surprise that Mayacamas leads our list here, what with our ongoing admiration for this winery. The 2000 Chardonnay offers laser-like intensity, with complex citrus, crisp apple and pear aromas and flavors layered with mineral and subtle spice. Don’t touch it now – this is one to lay down for at least another five or six years. (Robyn’s Picks, 10/03)

1999 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($32). This is a beautiful wine — showing elegant pear and apple fruit accented with crisp citrus zest and appealing mineral notes. Heady vanilla extract takes shape on the generous finish. Nicely balanced. Very good now and over the next five years. (Weekend Wine, 07/02)

1997 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($32). Mayacamas is famous for a number of reasons, including the longevity of their wines, even the whites. This 1997 is no exception. It is another blockbuster Chardonnay. Rich, balanced, full of flavor – the pear is beautiful, and you’ll also find apple, a touch of melon, concentrated fig, hazelnut, vanilla, oak. Wow. Very nice acidity. You should really buy a few bottles of this one, so you can try it now and then sock away the rest for 4 to 8 years. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/00)

1996 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($N/A). Mayacamas always produces complex, long-lived wines. The Mayacamas Chardonnays also age well – better than most whites – and should be at least three to five years old before you drink them. Mayacamas is a label to remember whenever you are looking for a particularly great wine. (Richard’s Picks, 8/99)

Mayo Family Winery 1998 Chardonnay Sonoma Valley ($20). This wine is smooth and ripe with good vanilla oak and a clean finish. It’s ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 11/00)

Mazzocco 2004 Chardonnay Sonoma County Reserve ($28). Aromatic fig, pineapple, butterscotch and baking spices are rich and lingering on the long finish. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 04/07)

Mer Soleil 1997 Chardonnay Central Coast (California, $40). Wow, this is a rich Chardonnay. The French gentleman standing next to me visibly blanched at his first sip – this is quite a different animal from any French Chardonnay. A true example of American winemaking style, this Chardonnay nearly overwhelms you with rich fig, pear, cream, vanilla, and pineapple. A clean, if definitely lingering, finish keeps it from being over the top. I’d drink this one now – I’m almost afraid of how much richness would be added by more age! – but it will age for at least three to five years. (Weekend Wine, 05/00)

Meridian

2002 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County Reserve ($16). Pretty pear, nutmeg and crème brulee aromas and flavors, with a creamy finish. Medium- to full-bodied. Tastes full and rich for the price. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 06/04)

1998 Chardonnay Edna Valley Reserve ($15) — Good citrus acidity gives just enough balance to this rich, sophisticated Chardonnay. Ripe pear, toasted hazelnut, and fig really shine through, and the finish lingers beautifully. Very good now, and should age nicely for three or four years. (Richard’s Picks, 01/01)

Merryvale

2007 Chardonnay Napa Valley Starmont ($20). A touch of bright, lemony citrus accents pretty pear and apple aromas and flavors, with cream, spice and toast accents on the medium-bodied finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-08-16)

2005 Chardonnay Napa Valley Starmont ($20). Seems like this wine always fits the bill, with creamy pear and vanilla balanced by juicy citrus, crisp green apple and a touch of spice. Nice finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 10/07)

2003 Chardonnay Carneros Reserve ($29). Loads of smoky oak on the nose practically overwhelm everything else, and generous butter and cream coats the palate through the finish. In between, fig and pear fruit flavors are rich and ripe, with a welcome hint of citrus that just keeps things from being over the top. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Label Art 06/05)

2000 Chardonnay Carneros Reserve ($29). Nicely focused pear, apricot and citrus fruit aromas and flavors are laced with baking spices and delicate fig accents. Lovely finish lingers on and on. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 10/03)

1999 Chardonnay Starmont Napa Valley ($20). This reliable favorite never disappoints. The 1999 vintage is crisp and balanced, with pear, apple, and a hint of citrus fruit accented with oak and spice. Ready to drink now and over the next few years. (Wine Skinny Cooks, 06/01)

Miner

2009 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($30). An elegant, layered Chardonnay, offering crisp apple and pear, an array of citrus accents, smooth melon and fig, and a long, evolving, spice-accented finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-08-24)

2003 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($25). Finds a nice balance between richness and elegance, with pretty pear and fig flavors that gain intensity and pick up mineral, exotic spices and wildflower accents through the complex finish. Well done. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 03/05)

2000 Chardonnay Napa Valley Wild Yeast ($50). Elegant wine that begins with smoky orchard fruit aromas, then concentrated pear and nectarine fruit flavors layered with wildflower honey, mineral, and nutty accents. Delicious now and over the next couple of years. (Richard’s Picks, 02/04)

2000 Chardonnay Napa Valley Oakville Ranch ($35). Full-bodied and complex, including focused pear and melon fruit, rich butterscotch, and mineral tones. Creamy, generous finish. Nice acidity. Picks up a wildflower honey note on the end. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Robyn’s Picks, 12/02)

Mirassou

2003 Chardonnay Central Coast ($11). Lots of oak to be sure, but still offers a nice fresh character, including juicy apple and peach and lemon zest flavors. Finishes with a creamy vanilla note. Serve well chilled. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/04)

2002 Chardonnay Central Coast ($10). Fresh, citrus bouquet. Ripe pear and juicy apple fruit, with buttery vanilla oak and light citrusy notes on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s Picks 06/04)

Moon Mountain

2006 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($13). Nice balance, especially at this price. With ripe pear and citrus flavors that stay bright through the fruity finish, picking up a touch of cream along the way. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/08)

2004 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($13). Nice complexity at this price point, with elegant, floral-laced pear and white peach, with toasty, nutty accents on the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/06)

Morgan Winery

2005 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands Double L Vineyard ($45). Pretty balance and structure here, offering heady aromatics of ripe pear, lime, toasted hazelnut, mineral and floral notes that repeat on the palate, along with touches of cream, nutmeg and vanilla. Elegant finish. Organically grown fruit. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 04/07)

2005 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands Rosella’s Vineyard ($45). Richer and more full-bodied than the Double L, but still offering a measure of elegance. With layers of pear, apple, nectarine, citrus zest, mineral, loads of baking spices, vanilla and, finally, cream. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 04/07)

2000 Chardonnay Monterey ($20). Crisp apple and rich pear fruit mingle with smooth, toasty oak and a creamy finish. Ready to drink now. Wonderful with a jazzed up Chinese corn and crab soup.

Murphy-Goode

2007 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($17). A rich, creamy, tropical, vanilla-laced number with a pricetag that should please fans of the style. Ripe pineapple and juicy peach flavors dominate, with a full, creamy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-08)

2006 Chardonnay Alexander Valley Island Block ($20). Loads of oak and buttery influence here, particularly on the finish, but if you like that style, then there’s also some silky pear and nectarine fruit that lighten the creamy texture. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-08-16)

1999 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($15). This is a good example of a value priced California Chardonnay — loads of sweet fruit, a healthy dose of spice, plenty of toasty oak, and a solid finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 08/01)