Varner Wine Foxglove Chardonnay, Central Coast, USA

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For example, there are nearly 18,500 cases of the 2013 Foxglove Chardonnay, which is mostly Central Coast fruit from Santa Barbara County with a touch from Paso Robles. The wine does not go through malolactic fermentation, and the aim is to produce pure varietal fruit with virtually no oak in the formula. The 2013 is a beauty with notes of flowers, white peach, honeysuckle and a touch of tropical fruit. It is crisp, elegant, medium-bodied and, as promised, very pure.

The 2010 Chardonnay is one of the top values in California wine. It possesses tons of ripe, varietal fruit in a style that is quite rich but not heavy. Clean citrus and floral notes add freshness on the long finish. Lees stirring gives the wine much of its richness, while aging in steel helps maintain freshness. There is remarkable depth and textural finesse here, never mind a price that is mind-boggling for this level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. I was blown away by the two wines I tasted from Foxglove, Bob and Jim Varner’s negociant label. The Varners clearly have the magic touch. These are among the finest values readers will find anywhere in the world.Tel. (650) 321-4894; www.varnerwine.com

This terrific portfolio of values is led by Foxglove’s remarkable 2009 Chardonnay, a non-oaked, stainless steel-fermented and aged white that sees no malolactic fermentation. Moreover, there are 30,000 cases of this beauty, a blend of two-thirds Santa Barbara County fruit and the rest from Paso Robles and further north in Monterey. It exhibits crisp honeyed lemon, citrus, poached pear, and honeysuckle notes intermixed with a hint of pineapple. However, it is the zesty acidity, stunning purity, and delightful balance this naked Chardonnay possesses that make it so appealing. Enjoy it over the next year. Doug Polaner, Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; Fax (914) 244-0505

The sensational 2008 Chardonnay Central Coast, which is fermented and aged completely in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation, is a 30,000-cuvee of fabulous Chardonnay. Loads of tropical fruit, honeysuckle, and orange blossom notes fill the olfactory sense, as does the luscious medium-bodied texture on the palate. The wine is buttressed by crisp underlying acidity, and the result is a fresh, naked expression of Chardonnay that is top-flight. Drink it over the next year or so. These are absolutely spectacular bargains from the very high-quality Varner Winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is their less expensive line-up of wines, and I encourage readers to try them – they are true winners.Tel. (650) 321-4894; fax (650) 321-4893