California, Chardonnay

88 Points - Wine Spectator, July 2010
"Displays aromas of cedar, pineapple and tropical fruit, this is full-bodied, featuring sour green apple, spice and pithy citrus notes on the finish. Drink now through 2014. 15,000 cases made." -James Laube

"Burgundian in sensibility but with California style is one way of describing Jim Clendenen's Chardonnays- Structure and restraint melded with bountiful opulence is another. In the glass, buttery brioche marries with tropical fruits in an irresistible elixir that will leave the bottle drained before you know it. Try it with turbot for a match of delicacy and richness." -The Winery

90 Points - Wine Spectator, June 2009
"Shows ripe, complex and well-defined nectarine, tangerine and spicy pear flavors, gaining depth and richness on the wonderfully long finish. Drink now through 2012. 15,000 cases made." -James Laube

Winemaker's Notes:
"We are using a mix of barrel and steel fermentation (a longer, cooler fermentation) to highlight the different characteristics we get from our four Chardonnay vineyards, and the 2006 vintage is an exciting example of this exploration featuring almost half of the blend fermented in steel tanks. Lemon zest, apple, pear, vanilla and toasty spice aromas carry into the flavors with a refreshing tanginess and a bright fruit finish.” – Laurie Hook, Winemaker

92 Points - Wine Advocate, December 2008
"The 2007 Chardonnay Private Reserve (always one of California’s top Chardonnays) has toned down the toasty oak component, exhibiting excellent nutty, honeyed, buttery notes of orange marmalade, brioche, and spice. Full-bodied, rich, and pure, it reminds me of a Burgundian premier cru from Chassagne-Montrachet or Meursault." -Robert Parker

87 Points - Wine Spectator, November 2009
"Fresh and lively, full-bodied and smooth-textured, with vibrant green apple, melon, ripe pear and honeysuckle, ending with a long, full finish. Drink now through 2011." -James Laube

"Bogle’s Chardonnay is a hand-crafted wine that has a little bit of something for everyone: barrel fermentation, sur-lies aging and partial malolactic fermentation. These careful processes create a wine with layers of complexity and generous character. Distinctively Chardonnay from the Clarksburg appellation, the aromatics shine of Bartlett pear and saucy apple. Mid palate, the texture shows off its silky, soft nature, allowing the creamy notes to envelop the fruit. New American oak adds nutmeg, vanilla and a hint of butterscotch to the finish, though never losing its perfectly balanced acidity." -The Winery

88 Points - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, June 2009
"This one may be a few dollars less pricey than its stablemate below, but we like its more open, fruity style and its mix of Meyer lemon, vanilla and chalky notes. Its flavors are delivered along with a pleasantly supple entry impression, and if the wine firms up a bit at the back, that is to its good as well in that it invites service with dishes ranging from the sweeter white fishes like Sole Amandine to baked chickens with pan gravies. GOOD VALUE"

"We carefully handcrafted only 2,800 cases of the 2007 Castle Rock Reserve Chardonnay. The grapes were harvested from vines grown in the Russian River Valley, one of California’s most prestigious growing appellations, which is known for its long, steady growing season. Our wines from the Russian River Valley display themselves with complex flavors and crisp acidity.

"This Castle Rock Reserve Chardonnay is a concentrated wine, displaying very nice depth and integration. Its slight sweetness rounds the wine out perfectly, and its flavors of pear, vanilla, butter and spice slowly unfold on the palate. These characteristics make it an excellent accompaniment for grilled white meats, lighter cream sauces and seafood." -The Winery

93 Points - Wine Spectator, Web Only 2010
"Bold, rich and full-boded, with succulent fig, apricot, smoky oak and roasted marshmallow flavors that are complex and distinctive, finishing with a long, intricate finish and subtle flavor notes. Drink now through 2015. 13,837 cases made." -James Laube

RATED 89 POINTS WINESPECTATOR
Chateau Souverain
Chardonnay Sonoma County 2004
Sleek, with well-defined green apple, lemon-lime, mineral and citrus, it maintains its tangy edge on the finish, turning subtle and elegant. Drink now through 2008. 9,868 cases made. –JL

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast, February 2010
"Made in a leaner, crisper style than many Chards nowadays, this Chardonnay trades power for elegance. It’s almost like a Sauvignon Blanc, with citrusy acids framing flavors of limes, pineapples and green apples that have a minerally edge. New French oak adds just the right touch of richness." -Steve Heimoff