Among these, the appellation wines are more direct in character and less concentrated than the vineyard designates, but they are not ‘lesser’ wines. The Russian River version is exceptional: ripe, supple, and refined in character; a Chardonnay with excellent balance and length, and long flavor persistence (white peach, apple, lime blossom, pineapple, pink grapefruit). The best version yet of this wine, and a particularly good value!