It is going to be the rare case where a 1996 Napa Chardonnay turns out to be better than its 1995 counterpart. The latter vintage is undoubtedly one of the classic vintages for California Chardonnay, while 1996 is merely good. Beringer's three cuvees of 1996 Chardonnay are all extremely well-made. For a reasonably good value, the 1996 Chardonnay Napa, aged 8 months in small oak casks and put through a 100% malolactic fermentation, is a lush, tasty, buttery, tropical fruit-driven wine with medium body, round, generous fruit, and excellent purity and ripeness. Keep in mind that Beringer produces over 100,000 cases, so it is widely available. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735