1998 Marcassin Chardonnay Lorenzo Vineyard

The 1998 Chardonnay Lorenzo Vineyard (the last vintage for this bottling as it is now sold to Landmark Vineyards) exhibits a medium straw color, and leesy, smoky, roasted nut aromas intertwined with sweet pineapple and honeyed orange scents. This fleshy, medium to full-bodied Chardonnay displays good underlying acidity, and a short, but pleasant finish. Drink this substantial Chardonnay over the next 3-4 years. (Release date 9/02) Tel. (707) 258-3608; Fax (707) 942-5633

(the last vintage for this bottling) Bright but pale color. Musky aromas of lemon, honey and hazelnut; not as precise as some earlier vintages of this wine. Then rich but not yet expansive in the mouth, with good chewy extract and a spine of acidity currently keeping the rich fruit under wraps. Best today on the firm finish, which is nicely extended by the wine's fresh acids.