1994 Chalk Hill Chardonnay Estate

This winery, which produced one of the top Chardonnay values in 1993, has once again turned in a smoky, lavishly wooded, crisp, medium to full-bodied, luscious 1994 Chardonnay Estate. While it may not possess the fat and succulence of the 1993, it is impressively built and endowed. The wine exhibits a light straw color, thick, glycerin-imbued flavors, admirable structure, and smoky aromas and flavors that are reminiscent of a fine premier cru from Chassagne-Montrachet. Given this wine's structure, it should drink well for 2-3 years, which gives it a slightly longer aging curve than the 1993. Chalk Hill has been fashioning very fine wines, so let's hope the departure of winemaker David Ramey to Dominus does not change things. Tel. (707) 838-4306