Sonoma Cuvee, Farina Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Mountain 2007

The Sonoma Cuvee, Farina Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Mountain 2007 suffers from being both yeasty and bitter. Light gold with a green tinge, the wine throws off a rubber and yeast (is it ironic the vineyard is called "Farina"?)aroma, suggesting a problem in the fermentation and vinification process followed by timid citrus and guava aromas. The attack is velvety, a bit bitter, with a mineral aftertaste and a persistent bitterness on the finish. A big disappointment from Boisset Family Estates, which produces Chablis under J. Moreau, Chassagne-Montrachet under Bouchard Aine & Fils and Meursault under Ropiteau Freres. Score 9/20.

Stag's leap Wine Cellars, KARIA Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 2007

Refreshing and tight, the Stag's leap Wine Cellars, KARIA Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 2007 is a welcome addition to the podium of highly oaked Chardonnays from Napa Valley. Bright yellow with a green tinge, the nose shows mineral, citrus fruit and green pineapple aromas. The attack is fresh, followed by a bright acidity, slightly green fruit (in a positive way, when the winemaker picks judiciously early to maintain freshness and acidity), and a fresh finish, though a bit short. The KARIA 2007 is a"good green" chardonnay, and benefits from only 23% new french oak aging. Score 16/20.