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.

Stag's Leap, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2006

Deep purple with garnet hues, the color of the Stag's Leap, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2006 implies an older wine, hinting at premature aging. Intense and complex, the nose shows a heavy predominance of smokey aromas - due perhaps to the 100% new oak aging - followed by intense and ripe cherry and raspberry. The attack is very ripe, followed by red fruits, soft round tannins and good balance, though lacking slightly in freshness. Very long on the finish. Too young to drink, re-taste in 5 years. Score 16/20.

Pahlmeyer, Napa Valley Chardonnay, 2006

The light gold and green tinged color of the Pahlmeyer, Napa Valley Chardonnay, 2006 does not hint at this wine's intensity and density. The nose reveals butter, brioche, apple and quince, and strong smokey oak aromas, while the attack is big and buttery, with a thick velvety mouth feel, ripe fruit, a soft and round mid-section, but disappointingly handicapped by a faint acidity, which throws this intensely fruity wine off keel. Could have been a contender for greatness, though through its sheer weight it held up heroically to the dual onslaught of wine foes soy sauce and wasabi. Score 16/20, drink now + 5 years.