4 | Wine | Chardonnay, 86 to 90, 2011

"Deceptively complex, tight and vibrant, with a slow rise of citrus-laced mineral, green pear and honeydew melon notes that build on the finish, where a touch of nutmeg adds dimension."

"Pronounced citrus aromas of grapefruit and kumquat with an undercurrent of lime leaf and green apples. Light to medium-bodied, the palate shows very good balance, with expressive citrus flavor, lively acid and a medium-long finish."

"There is also a salty sea breeze character reminiscent of the crushed oyster shell-like note my colleague David Schildknect often detects in Loire Valley whites. This crisp, fresh, medium-bodied Cotes Catalanes exhibits lots of earthy/terroir characteristics. Readers should think of it as a brisk, zesty, authoritatively flavored Chardonnay from the cool, alluvial soils on the banks of the Aigly River." -Robert Parker

"A faint lactic note on the nose, along with grapefruit, flowers and spearmint. Good cut to its grapefruit and mineral flavors. Finishes fresh and firm."

"Light gold. Aromas and flavors of melon and peach, with a subtle leesy note and a touch of tarragon. Dry and slightly hard-edged, finishing with good grip and lingering spiciness."

"Delightfully delicate and complex, this offers a light scent of creamy, vanilla-tinged oak, leading to a smooth mix of light hazelnut, baked apple and honeydew melon notes."

"The 2011 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch has a similar aromatic and flavor profile as the 2010 with more textural richness and oiliness because of the presence of botrytis in this vintage. I have to say, the 2011 is highly intriguing. It will be interesting to see where the wine goes over the coming years."

"Ripe fresh apricot and marzipan on the nose, along with a mineral component. Juicy, spicy and minerally; more taut and less fat than the basic village offering. Showing its oak but finishes with good cut and grip." -Stephen Tanzer

"Light yellow-gold. Fresh pineapple and peach aromas are complicated by floral honey, orange zest and dusty minerals. Fleshy and round, offering sappy melon and pit fruit flavors and a touch of candied ginger. A supple, intensely fruity style of California chardonnay, with very good finishing lift and precision."

"Aromas of peach, soft citrus fruit and spices. Spicy, fresh and nicely ripe, with enticing orange peel lift to the sweet peach flavor. This will give early pleasure."