Forman’s 2011 Chardonnay is very pretty. Lemon, pastry, white flowers and spices come together nicely as this vivid wine shows off its considerable personality. The 2011 still needs time to fully harmonize in bottle. Today, it lacks some of the energy of the 2010, but nevertheless stands out for its textural purity and class. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025. Ric Forman is arguably Napa Valley’s first superstar winemaker. Although sometimes overlooked today, there is little question Forman has had a profound influence on a number of younger winemakers who still speak of him with great reverence. In 2012 Forman celebrated his 46th harvest. Today, Forman counts on the assistance of his son Toby, in running this small, family-owned jewel of an estate. As for the wines, they are superb, but, best of all, remain realistically priced for the consumer who wants to drink top-flight Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon without having to take out a second mortgage. The Chardonnay is made in the non-malo style Forman pioneered in the 1970s. Forman’s Cabernet is one of the classic masterpieces of Napa Valley, even if recent vintages come across as a bit riper than the norm. Still, it is impossible to go wrong with any of these wines.Tel. (707) 963-0234

The 2010 Chardonnay is utterly impeccable and gracious. It boasts incredible finesse and textural balance in a clean, mineral-driven style. Smoke, slate, citrus and mint are some of the notes that flow through to the finish. This pure, unadulterated Chardonnay is simply stunning. It also happens to be very reasonably priced considering the quality. The Chardonnay is fermented in French oak barrels (10%) new, and the malo is blocked. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. I only tasted three wines with Ric and Toby Forman, but that didn’t stop this tasting from being one of the highlights of the twelve days I spent in Napa Valley. These wines are all about refinement, subtlety and sheer class.Tel. (707) 963-3900

Ric Forman’s 2009 Chardonnay Estate is an elegant, restrained, non-malolactic, 100% barrel fermented offering that sees about 10% new oak during its upbringing. Fresh, delicate notes of pears, lemon blossoms and apple skins are present in this medium-bodied, steely Chardonnay. Consume it over the next several years. Interestingly, the 2009 is Sauvignon Blanc-like in texture and crispness. Tel. (707) 963-3900; Fax (707) 963-5384.

The non-malolactic 2008 Chardonnay Estate possesses delicate, crisp, lemon and lime-like fruit intermixed with a hint of honeyed white peaches. Medium-bodied with very good acidity, terrific aromatics, and excellent purity, this cuvee spends plenty of time in barrel, but you would never know that from its purity and absence of woodsy, smoky aromas. It should drink well for several years.Ric Forman has hit all cylinders with both these Cabernet Sauvignons.Tel. (707) 963-3900; Fax (707) 963-5384