The 2009 Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills (a mere 36,000 cases) was 75% barrel-fermented with 75% of the wine going through malolactic fermentation. It was aged sur lie in barrel for 9 months with batonnage. Toasty tropical aromas lead to a spicy, savory, well-balanced, lengthy Chardonnay that is an excellent value meant for drinking over the next 2-3 years. Columbia Crest, part of the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, is Washington's largest winery. It produces mammoth amounts of wine (2,000,000+ cases) at a remarkably high level of quality. A visit to the cellars reveals brilliant organization, high morale, and a sense of personal involvement by the staff that undoubtedly adds value to the finished wine. www.columbia-crest.com

This popular Chardonnay gives you a generous burst of buttered nuts and toast, the flavors many consumers want in their Chardonnays. Not much going on in the fruit department—just clean, tart green apples, with a sharp, acidic edge. ——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 87