2 | Wine | Chardonnay, $20 to $50

"Aromas of hazelnut and grilled pineapple are followed by flavors of lush, tropical fruits, balanced by a hint of citrus. A rich, creamy mouthfeel is rounded out by a lengthy, elegant finish."

"This graceful Chardonnay opens with aromas of fresh-cut Honey Crisp apple, citrus, toasted vanilla bean and hints of poached Comice pear and lilac. The wine has a full entry with flavors of ripe apple and delicate oak notes. There is a nice balance to the acidity and minerality that enhances the freshness and elegance of this wine. The long finish is reminiscent of Nilla wafers with banana cream pudding."

"Our 2011 Napa Valley Chardonnay opens with fresh, creamy aromas of ripe pear, apple and citrus, with light butter, yeast and spicy oak tones adding complexity. The wine’s rich, focused, green apple, melon and guava flavors are nicely balanced by fresh acidity and a piquant mineral tone. Both mouthfilling and elegant, this quintessential Napa Valley Chardonnay is delectable now, but it will develop even greater complexity with another 5-8 years’ bottle age."

"This perennial favorite has a silky, creamy texture with just a hint of oak. Ripe tropical fruit, pear and green apple flavors are complemented by notes of lemon custard, vanilla bean and baking spice. A touch of flint and minerality further add to its refined elegance."

"As with the prior vintage, 2011 Signature Chardonnay was shaped by a cool, slow-ripening season and displays intricate aromatics and rich, persistent flavors. A tempting bouquet mingles lemon blossom and jasmine with citrus, then unfolds intriguing notes of nutmeg and quince. Generous flavors of lemon custard, pears and apples are wrapped in a creamy mouthfeel, while a streak of stony minerality gives the wine zest and complexity. The oak is exceptionally well-integrated, offering spicy qualities that linger on the finish."

"Bright yellow. Pungent aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, saffron and mint, with an underpinning of smoky minerals. Dusty citrus and apple flavors are complemented by a sexy floral quality and enlivened by zesty minerality. Finishes with excellent clarity and stony thrust, the floral note repeating. This taut, dry, deeply concentrated chardonnay should age gracefully."

"Antica’s 2011 Chardonnay is laced with lemon peel, white flowers, spices and crushed rocks. In this vintage, the estate’s Chardonnay is especially rich and powerful, largely because the irregular flowering lowered yields by 50%. This is an unusual Chardonnay that is bright in its aromas and flavors but fairly broad-shouldered in style."

"Vivid yellow. Lively, spice-accented aromas of tangerine, melon and white flowers, with toasty lees and sweet butter accents adding depth. Offers an array of citrus fruit and spice flavors, with suave honeysuckle and brioche nuances emerging with air. Lingers impressively on the finish, which shows nervy orange pith and ginger character."