The following offer a diverse range of the expressions of Chardonnay. The grape, like a blank canvas can be painted by the winemaker. Elements of oak, pristine acidity, or buttery richness can be painted, be that broad-stroke or with fine precision from the paint brush.

Geyser Peak Reserve Chardonnay, Alexander Valley 2003

Price $25

Rating 94

A restrained style of California Chardonnay, the oak is complex and well in balance to the fruit. The crisp acidity insures that this wine will pair magically with food. The wine's immense complexity guarantees that the ride will be fun. The length is long with delicate vanilla from the oak.

Cakebread Chardonnay, Napa 2003

Price $33

Rating 94

There is a fresh, pure aroma of ripe apples and pears with hints of peach, tropical fruits and vanilla cream. On the palate, the wine is youthful and crisp, revealing deep, intense fruit flavors with an appealing flinty, minerally tone."

Frog's Leap Chardonnay, Napa 2003

Price $20

Rating 94

Aromas of pear and melon, then delicate aromas of mineral and a slight floral note, this luscious white wine enters clean and crisp. The stone fruit flavors and touch of hazelnut are balanced by the wine's acid and flavors of minerals and tart green apple.

Jean Dauvissat "Vaillons" Chablis 1er Cru 2001

Price $35

Rating 92

There is classic flint in the nose with citrus elements. The sip offers complex mineral and citrus. This wine is imported by Rosenthal, known as a great source for high quality, artisan made wines.

Toad Hollow Chardonnay, Mendocino 2003

Price $13.99

Rating 90

Refreshing aromas and flavors of ripe apple, pear and other white fruit, this Chardonnay is an exception to the usual from California as there is no oak in the flavor profile. One can actually taste the Chardonnay with no interference.

Frei Brothers Reserve Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

Price $14.99

Rating 91

The nose is rich with oak and butter. The sip offers apple, pear, a hint of citrus, hazelnut, vanilla, and other oak influences. The finish is long and crisp.

Penfold Koonunga Hill Chardonnay, S. Eastern Australia 2003

Price $10.99

Rating 91

The nose is interesting with reminders of peach flavored taffy-like candy. The sip is chewy with peach and other stone fruit. There is crisp grapefruit, ripe melon and tropical notes in the long finish.

Louis Jadot Macon-Villages Chardonnay, Burgundy 2003

Price $12.99

Rating 90

The sip is refreshing with bright citrus and subtle white fruit. The length is complex and long. This is an example of what could be the poor man's Pouilly-Fuisse (a more famous and more expensive wine from the area). This wine is well worth the price.

Clos du Bois Chardonnay, North Coast 2003

Price $10.99

Rating 89

The nose leads with oak and some butter. The mouth is full of oak with elements of pear, apple and

bright citrus.

Round Hill Chardonnay, California 2003

Price $8.99

Rating 85

Pleasant drinking, this white refreshes. Very buttery, perhaps overly so, the fun wine might benefit from some more acid crispness. The fruit expression is very ripe.

Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay, Napa 2003

Price $12.99

Rating 89

There is a beautiful expression of apple, apricot, brown spice and lots of oak. The winery suggests that you pair this wine with "traditional matches of seafood, fowl, light veal and pork