4 | Wine | Chardonnay, United States

This statewide blend stands up well against far more expensive Chardonnays. It's rich and crisp in acidity, with tropical fruit, pear and peach flavors, as well as a generous coating of oak and buttercream. Easy to find, with nearly 11,000 cases produced. Best Buy."

"Cold Creek Chardonnay is typified by concentration and intensity from the 40-year-old vines and warmth of the site. This Chardonnay is a decadent style with ripe fruit and a toasty character. The cooler 2011 vintage in Washington provided enhanced acidity with an elegant finish. The combination of a powerful vineyard in a cooler vintage makes for a very balanced and ageable style of Chardonnay."

"This is a fresh, soft style of Chardonnay with bright apple and sweet citrus fruit character and subtle spice and oak nuances. We blend Chardonnay grapes from vineyards all over Washington’s Columbia Valley to make this a complex, interesting wine. The sur lie aging gives it an appealing softness."

"Bright and tangy with lemon and nectarine fruit flavors that expand on the finish. Crisp, clean and beautifully styled to pair with food."

"This brilliant, golden-straw-colored Chardonnay opens with bright and delicate aromas of pears, citrus and what can only be described as apple blossoms, followed by flavors of pear, lemon, toasty coconut and hints of peach, pineapple and cinnamon. Barrel fermentation and aging on the lees contribute a creamy mouthfeel and our hallmark toasty finish. This wine tastes great with poultry, seafood in a lemon-butter sauce, creamy pasta or an onion cream tart." Notes from 2010 vintage.

"Beautifully integrated tropical flavors such as pineapple, mango, and papaya with citrus notes that explode in your mouth. These flavors delicately intertwine with aromas of vanilla and honey to create depth and balance throughout. A hint of toasted oak rounds out the long, lingering finish."

"Inviting aromas of citrus, Golden Delicious apple, vanilla, and subtle spice from the toasted oak draw you in. Delicate mineral and lemon-lime are hidden behind star jasmine and honeysuckle notes."

"This lighter style Chardonnay is fresh and vibrant with bright apple and pear aromas coupled with a hint of coconut. Flavors of orchard fruits are accented by nuances of citrus and toasty oak, ending with a juicy, crisp finish. Intended for immediate enjoyment, this Chardonnay captures the varietal intensity indicative of wines from Washington State."