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.

Ramey, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, 2007

A delightful cool climate Chardonnay, the Ramey, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, 2007 is straw colored with green hues, setting the stage for the wine's good balance and lively acidity. According to their web site, the wine is "whole-cluster pressed, fermented in Burgundian barrels with native yeast and bottled without filtration" which results in intense aromas of citrus fruits and quince, with a delicate overtone of creme fraiche. The attack is lively, with bight acidity and a long and persistent finish. Great food wines with a real Burgundian acidity "kick". Score 16/20.

Gary Farrell, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, 2007

Crisp in a Burgundian style, the Gary Farrell, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, 2007is straw gold, with a green tinge, hinting at a fresh acidity. The nose is intense, displaying lime and mineral notes, followed by a fresh mineral attack and cool citrus flavors, with a round and velvety middle that speaks to its California roots. The freshness of the wine carries through to the finish, implying a delicate handling of the grapes, minimal skin contact, a quick and low temperature fermentation, and the unobtrusive use of oak. An excellent food wine. Score 15/20.

The Forager, Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands, 2007

The Forager, Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands, 2007 could easily be mistaken for a red "village" Burgundy. Cherry red, with an intense and complexe nose of smoke, wood and spice, The Forager has a fresh attack, showing brigh acidity, followed by ripe fruits and a long, balanced finish. Is the quality due to the original of the grapes - 74% from the chilly Central Coast vineyard, or the traditional old world winemaking. Look forward to trying the Pey-Lucia "Frisquet", an upmarket version of The Forager. Score 15/20, drink now + 3 years.

Kelly Fleming, Sauvignon Blanc, Oakville, 2007

In a blind tasting I would have been stumped by the Kelly Fleming Sauvignon Blanc, Oakville 2007, as it borders on a Chardonnay; only the slightly bracing finish gives away the varietal. The color of straw with a green hue, the light nose shows pear and slightly vegetal notes. The attack is soft, developing into sweet fruit, then a slightly heavy roundness, with good acidity bordering on bitter, and a medium finish. The 25% to 50% new French oak distorts the varietal character - the wine succumbs to the common "oak" mistake of "more is better", it would have been much better aged strictly in steel. Score 13/20, drink now + 3 years.

Joan & Walt Flowers, Flowers Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, 2007

Light gold with a slight green tinge, the Flowers Sonoma coast Chardonnay 2007 has shy herbal and floral notes, slightly smokey, backed up by crisp pear and apple aromas. The attack is strong and heady (Alc 14%), with a roundness to the body, good intensity, and well balanced acidity. Long finish, a still refreshing despite the high alcohol level. Recommended by the Whole Foods wine manager as "Burgundian style", "one of my favorites, from the Sonoma coast which is a great Chardonnay producing area". Score 15/20, drink now + 3 years.