Honey, almonds, tropical fruit, butter, sweet spices, nectarines are all present in the 2011 Chardonnay Camelot Highlands. The 2011 possesses gorgeous inner sweetness and perfume with plenty of body but no excess heaviness. Today, it is compelling. I tasted the 2011 from tank, just prior to bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Once again, I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted at Kendall-Jackson. Virtually all of these wines are also relatively easy to find and exceptionally well-priced. There is little question Kendall-Jackson is a well-oiled machine. The discipline and professionalism of all the winemakers I tasted with is remarkable for such a large operation.Tel. (800) 769-3649

The 2010 Chardonnay Camelot Highlands is a gorgeous wine layered with intense notes of minerality that frame dried apricots, wild herbs, dried flowers and orange zest. The delineation and nuance here is superb. Subtle hints from the oak linger on the finish. Estate owned vineyards in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara supply the fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. I must say I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Kendall-Jackson. Qualitatively the wine are head and shoulders above the vast majority of what is available in the same price points, but what amazes me most is Kendall-Jackson’s ability to achieve such a high average level of quality with production levels that are truly eye-popping. In 2010, which was not an abundant year, Kendall-Jackson produced nearly 2,000,000 cases of the flagship Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay. This is a brilliant showing from winemaker Randy Ullom and his team comprised of Matthew Smith (reds) and Mark Theis (whites).Tel. (800) 769-3649; www.kj.com

One of the finest Chardonnays I have yet tasted from K-J is the stunning 2009 Highland Estates Chardonnay Camelot, a classic California Chardonnay exhibiting notes of caramelized citrus, pineapples and mangos intermixed with a hint of spicy, smoky oak. It displays an attractive steely minerality, full-bodied richness, a layered mouthfeel and an extremely long finish. This beauty should drink well for 3-5 years. Kendall-Jackson enjoys a well-deserved reputation for over-delivering quality vis a vis price for its wines.Tel. (800) 769-3649; www.kj.com

A beautiful, racy Chardonnay, with a streamlined structure that could almost be a fine, barrel-aged Sauvignon Blanc. It’s marked by mouthwatering acidity, with savory lemongrass, hay, vanilla and white pepper flavors. First class and elegant as a cocktail sipper.——S.H.(5/1/2011)—— 92

The 2008 Highland Estates Chardonnay Camelot Vineyard is a creamy, full-bodied wine with lots of tropical fruit flavors, from pineapple to mango. Some buttered brioche/shortbread notes as well as creme brulee also make an appearance in this full-bodied, heady wine, which can be drunk over the next 3-4 years. The lowest level of the Kendall-Jackson empire, the Vintner’s Reserve series, goes from strength to strength. For consumers hoping to maximize their dollar value, these serious wines are consistent choices. Their Chardonnay has always been good, but dramatic increases in quality have taken place in the Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon programs.Tel. (800) 769-3649; kjwines@kj.com