Raymond, Napa Valley, Reserve, Chardonnay 2008 The nose features the smell of fresh oak, stone fruit and a bit of coconut and banana. In the mouth it is smooth and restrained, showing richness without thickness – an elegant Chardonnay. This wine was fermented in stainless, 40% of it was aged in new and one year old French oak and none of it went through malolactic. P&B in St. Helena 14.3% $20 at the winery, a gift to the class from the SFCWC Raymond
Kenneth Volk, Santa Maria Valley, “Jaybird,” Chardonnay 2008 The nose features green bean, flowers and a bit of spirit – a difficult combination. In the mouth it shows some fruit with a bit of warmth. Something is amiss with this particular wine as Kenneth Volk has made great wines over his career. This wine was aged on the lees after ferment and produced deliberately without oak. P&B under Stelvin in Santa Maria 14.9% price unknown, though the previous ’07 vintage from Santa Maria was $24 at the winery, a gift from a friend Volk