2006 Bee Block Chardonnay

The youngest vines, the 21-year-olds, make up the 2006 Chardonnay Bee Block. This is also the largest production item at 500+ cases. Medium to full-bodied, with notes of waxy, caramelized nectarine and, oranges, in addition to lemon oil and crushed rock, this wine has beautiful texture and a full-bodied, long finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. These are superb Chardonnays. 2006 was a long, cool growing season in the Santa Cruz Mountains, without any of the botrytis problems for Chardonnay or Pinot that inflicted Carneros and the Russian River. Written up in the World’s Greatest Wine Values report in Issue 178, but still worth mentioning is the $16 Varner 2007 Foxglove Chardonnay from San Luis Obispo. It is an outstanding wine and easily one of the great values for Chardonnay in the marketplace. Tel. (650) 321-4894; Fax (650) 321-4893