Chardonnay from Russian River, California: Dry Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2007

In the glass the 2007 vintage begins with tropical fruit aromas such as melon, Asian pear, and white peach. On the palate, the wine exudes rich Chardonnay flavors. Layers of nutmeg, baked apple, and almond flavors fill the mouth with more exotic characters of tangerine, apricot, and floral elements. This deftly balanced Chardonnay matches ripe fruit flavors and seamless acidity with good structure and a sense of purity and finesse on the finish.

There's a cool and succulent feel to this chardonnay's fruit, even as its superrich, honeyed apricot flavors verge on going over the top. Instead, the finish lifts the wine, toning it for the beach or ideally, a lobster roll in the Hamptons.