4 | Wine | White, $20 to $50, 2011

"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."

"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."

"Ripe but nicely focused, this white displays tangerine and nectarine notes along the edges, lending a racy hint to the peach and yellow apple fruit flavors. There's good cut on the finish."

"Distinct aromas of ginger and lemon zest are joined by toasty coconut, melon and caramel alongside a mineral, flinty cedar chest oakiness overlaid by notes of honeysuckle. Well-balanced with a solid acid backbone, the wine is rich and medium-heavy with a broad, yet firm, mid-palate. The long, lingering finish displays a touch of spice and lively acidity. Flavors of lemon, apple, pear, pineapple and cantaloupe, Sonoma's full cornucopia of fruit, join a nutty, spicy, lightly oaky profile. Fermented in oak and undergoing complete malolactic fermentation, the wine shows a mature influence by older vines and promises to evolve over time, bringing joy to both winemaker and those lucky enough to savor a glass."

"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."

"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."

"The lush, ripe pit fruit; luscious citrus; and wafting floral perfume that characterized “the rest” of the material that will become this year’s Tradition cuvee here display additional intensity, accompanied by piquant nut oils, oyster liquor, and shrimp shell reduction, making for a deep, saliva-liberating savor. For all of its richness, this delivers ample refreshment, while evincing a remarkable sense of buoyancy. Look to have a wonderful time with this beauty over the next 3-4 years."