The 2007 Chardonnay Rincon Vineyard is slightly less powerful than the Rosemary’s, has a shade deeper medium straw color and loads of nectarine, orange blossom, and honey, as well as a hint of caramel in the aromatics. Like all of these Chardonnays, the aromas are intensely perfumed, adding another factor in the wine’s seductive appeal. Rich and intense, perhaps even possessing the strongest inner core of depth and richness, this is a beautiful Chardonnay from the Talley family. While there is something unabashedly Californian about it, tasting it ultimately makes one think of white Burgundy. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. The one superstar for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Edna Valley is Talley Vineyards. Interestingly, they make most of their money growing vegetables rather than grapes. Yet Brian Talley and his team continue to turn out extremely elegant, European styled wines from this micro-climate at the southern end of the Edna Valley, not far from Arroyo Seco. The production of the single-vineyard Pinot Noirs is slightly lower than the Chardonnays, with about 500 cases of the Rincon and Rosemary’s, and only 225 of the Stone Corral. Kudos to Brian Talley. He has always made wonderful wine, but these are among the very best I have ever tasted from him.Tel. (805) 489-0446

This is an intense, tightly wound Chardonnay, with potent flavors and high acidity. It dazzles with flavors of grilled ripe pineapples, green apples, Key lime pie, honey, vanilla and new oak that are flamboyant from entry to spicy finish. Not likely to age before the fruit fades, so drink now and through 2011.——S.H.(12/31/2009)—— 92