The 3,000 case lot of 2007 Chardonnay Carneros is superb. Complex notes of hazelnut, popcorn, orange marmalade, and background oak are subtle yet persistent. Drink this beauty over the next several years. This Chardonnay / Pinot Noir specialist should receive rave notices from bargain hunters looking for a top-flight Chardonnay that is complex, rich, and widely available.Available through Vin Lux Fine Wines, tel.(866) 462-4641; Fax (866) 853-1707; www.vinluxfinewines.com

There are 6,200 cases of the 2007 Chardonnay Russian River. It exhibits plenty of tropical fruit and honeysuckle along with a touch of spice, full-bodied, rich flavors, and a subtle note of oak. This wine was 100% barrel-fermented and was put through 100% malolactic fermentation, but the oak is kept in the background. This Chardonnay / Pinot Noir specialist should receive rave notices from bargain hunters looking for a top-flight Chardonnay that is complex, rich, and widely available. Available through Vin Lux Fine Wines, tel.(866) 462-4641; Fax (866) 853-1707; www.vinluxfinewines.com

Dry and richly oaked, with ripe flavors, this is a big Chardonnay. It shows massive flavors of pineapple custard, pear jam, butterscotch, buttered toast and caramel. A bit direct, but a crowd pleaser.——S.H.(8/1/2009)—— 88