Barnard Griffin 2000 Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($13). Thoroughly enjoyed this wine — our first taste of a Barnard Griffin Chardonnay. (Hey, there are a lot of wineries out there – back off!) Beautifully balanced, with mouthwatering acidity, featuring smooth pear playing off exotic tropical fruits, just a touch of spice, and a luscious finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. We paired it with a basil pesto vegetarian lasagna, with great success. (Weekend Wine, 05/02)

Buried Cane

2009 Chardonnay Columbia Valley No-Oak Whiteline ($14). Solidly made and easy to enjoy, offering layers of green apple and aromatic citrus, light spice and hazelnut, and a subtly creamy note. Medium-bodied, clean, with a refreshing finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-09-23)

2007 Chardonnay Washington State ($14). Appealing for its crisp, juicy green and red apple character — fresh and clean from beginning to end. With light melon, citrus, pepper and mineral notes on the juicy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-06-11)

Canoe Ridge

1999 Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($15). Medium-bodied but still very well made and quite flavorful. Elegant fruit is layered with spice and creamy oak, with very good acidic balance. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend Wine, 11/01)

1998 Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($14). A wonderful, light tobacco note and crisp toasted oak accent bright orchard fruit and hazelnut flavors. Good clean finish. Versatile with food. Great value. Ready now. (Weekend Wine, 11/00)

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Columbia Crest 1998 Estate Series Chardonnay ($9). Much like the Rabbit Ridge Merlot, this wine has good buzz. A smooth Chardonnay with pear, honey, and vanilla flavors. But still on the light side; not a heavy, buttery Chardonnay. Ready to drink right now. Perfect with grilled salmon, and definitely a bargain. (ETFOFW, 06/00)

Columbia Winery 2004 Chardonnay Yakima Valley Wyckoff Vineyard ($19). Rich, ripe and creamy, with a dose of tangy pineapple that adds juicy brightness. Ends with touches of spice and toasted hazelnut. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/07)

Gordon Brothers

2008 Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($16). A fairly light, fresh style for an oaked and “malo’ed” Chardonnay, with juicy pear, apple and light tropical citrus aromas and flavors that finish with toast and clove spice. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-08-23)

2007 Chardonnay Columbia Valley Reserve ($23). Balanced and silky, with crème brûlée notes accenting lush pear and juicy apple flavors. With a dash of citrus on the finish. A generous, rich style at a nice price. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.  (2009-04-13)

Hogue

2004 Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($9). Smoky oak laces medium-bodied, ripe pear and green fig, with touches of hazelnut and cream through the finish. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight 12/06)

2004 Chardonnay Columbia Valley Reserve ($20). Pretty bouquet includes almond, pear and buttered toast. Ripe pear and nectarine flavors are laced with cream, smoke and warm spices, staying focused through the smooth finish. (Winery Spotlight 12/06)

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)

2002 Chardonnay Columbia Valley Reserve ($22). Lovely wine — and an outstanding value at this price! Smooth pear and nectarine flavors are layered with toasty oak, cream, spices, and orange rind. Stays focused and balanced throughout the pretty finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 08/04)

2002 Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($10). Fresh and easy to enjoy, with juicy pear and crisp citrus flavors that are focused and linger neatly along with appealing toasty oak notes. Ready to drink now. A nice choice for grilled or pan fried snapper, or check out the easy, baked Cajun Pecan Catfish. (Weekend Wine, 08/04)

2000 Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($10). Very good wine, especially at this price. Full bodied and full of ripe fruit aromas and flavors, featuring pear, fig, and mango with generous oak and a lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (ETFOFW, 02/02)

1998 Chardonnay Yakima Valley Reserve ($22). This lovely Washington reserve Chardonnay is difficult to find, but well worth the effort. It starts clean and bright, showing spicy pear, dried apricot, fig, and almond notes that meld into a lingering, rich finish. Wonderful now and should age beautifully for a few years. (Weekend Wine, 11/00)