A Guide About California: Chardonnay

I have always had an appreciation for wine, but I admit I really didnt know much, but when I was married, my husband had a passion about wines, so I was able to deepen my love of and knowledge of wine, here is a guide about California: Chardonnay

2004 Chardonnay Carneros ($20). Full-flavored, with an appealing balance between juicy apple and bright citrus, with complex accents that include pretty toasted hazelnut, smooth spices and cream. Appealing, refreshing finish. Ready to drink now

2003 Chardonnay Carneros ($20). Rich nose includes tropical fruit and butter, but the bright, lemony acidity in the mouth keeps the wine tightly wound, rather than overblown. Very appealing. Rich, complex finish. Ready to drink now

2001 Chardonnay Carneros ($20). Loads of flavor, including ripe pear, orange rind, fig and crème brulee. Nicely balanced; generous finish. Appealing structure and a good value. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

2004 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($30). We really love this wine, though it can come as a bit of a shock to anyone expecting an opulent, buttery Napa Chardonnay. This one is steely and clean, with complex, crisp green apple and juicy citrus layered with mineral, smoke and an appealing hint of earthiness. Long, mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years.

2003 Chardonnay Monterey County ($16). An enjoyable balance of mouthwatering citrus and juicy tropical melon flavors, finishing with a dash of toasty, vanilla oak. Ready to drink now.

2002 Chardonnay Monterey County ($16). Clear, straightforward, easy to drink. Juicy apple and tropical fruit flavors and aromas, with a nutty oak finish that picks up toasty vanilla and nutmeg. Good for hot afternoon sipping! Ready to drink now

2001 Chardonnay Central Coast ($16). Ripe, juicy pear combines with a lush, tropical character and sweet vanilla oak to make a tasty wine. Slightly creamy mouthfeel; generous finish

2002 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands Sleepy Holllow Vineyard ($30). Tightly wound and focused, with fragrant lime blossom and hazelnut grace notes on the pretty pear and crisp stonefruit flavors. Picks up mineral on the complex, slightly creamy finish. Nice supporting acidity throughout. Should age beautifully. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years

2000 Chardonnay Monterey Sleepy Hollow Vineyard ($30). Lush and full-bodied, with rich apricot and stonefruit flavors mingling with orange rind and wildflower honey notes. Smoky oak supports but does not overwhelm. Long finish. Ready to drink now

Artesa 1999 Chardonnay Carneros ($22). Spicy apple, pear, and caramel flavors on a well-balanced frame, with good acidity and a lingering, clean finish.

2003 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County ($17). Great balance here, with a crisp, mineral-laced style. Ripe apple and nectarine aromas and flavors are layered with Meyer lemon, mineral and creamy notes that linger on the generous finish. Delicious

1998 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County Grand Cuvee ($35) -- This is a pretty wine, with a rich perfumed bouquet and elegant palate. Rich ripe pear and fig fruit notes are smooth and creamy, with good spice and a long, luscious finish. Drink now and over the next couple of years.

2003 Chardonnay Edna Valley Grand Firepeak Cuvee Firepeak Vineyard ($30). Intense apple fruit mixes with loads of citrus flavors and toasty oak. Nothing subtle here, but still tasty.

2000 Chardonnay San Luis Obispo-Monterey ($18). Luscious sweet vanilla laces ripe pear and apple, with a nice pineapple/citrus thread from beginning to end. Rich creamy finish. Lingers generously. A style for fans of loads of sweet fruit and accent flavors

Barnett 2000 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($25). Focused pear is accented with concentrated tropical fruit, juicy apple, and a touch of subtle vanilla oak. Very nice acidity; full-bodied. Mouth-watering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years

Baystone 1999 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Saralee's Vineyard ($20). Beautifully balanced and bright, with a wonderful combination of melon, ripe pear, and citrus fruits, plus touches of spice, oak, and a subtle creaminess

2000 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Reserve ($28). Excellent body and structure, featuring racy apple and pear fruit balanced with ripe fig, caramel oak, and exotic spice. Lingering finish.

Belvedere 1998 Chardonnay Sonoma County ($12). This is a pretty, straightforward Chardonnay with nice orchard fruit, touches of dried apricot and herbs. Not too over the top, but not too lean either. Good value and very versatile, working with a wide variety of food pairings. We matched it with a Tex-Mex version of stuffed peppers using a spicy, cheesy, black beans and rice filling mix.

1998 Chardonnay Yamakawa Vineyard ($25). Rich tropical notes begin on the nose and continue through to the long, slightly creamy finish. Nice caramelized oak. Ready to drink now and over the next few years. Pairs beautifully with a wide variety of seafood and poultry dishes

2003 Chardonnay Napa Valley ($16). Rich and flavorful, with concentrated pear, citrus and fig notes. Finishes with opulent sweet cream character and toasty oak

2003 Chardonnay California Founders Estate ($12). Slightly heavy on the smoky oak, but otherwise an easy to like Chardonnay, with ripe pear, tropicals, and orange zest flavors