This month, we will explore the exciting selection of Chardonnay from California and Washington State. Among the following Chardonnays, some are medium-to-full bodied, others fruity (Belvedere, Concannon, Chateau Ste. Michelle), while others are richer and oakier in variety (Hahn Estate). There are also those that are crisper and more subtle in style. We have the Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge, Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch, Testarossa, Acacia, Carpe Diem, Chateau Ste. Michelle Gold Creek, Patz & Hall Vineyard and Kendall-Jackson Camelot Highlands. Chardonnay Wine Reviews ACACIA, 2003 CARNEROS, $21-$23 Intensely flavored Chardonnay bursting with flavors of pineapple, lemon peel and roasted nuts. Full-bodied, noteworthy balance and persistent finish. 40,300 cases. Drink through 2006. BELVEDERE, 2003 HEALDSBURG RANCHES, SONOMA COUNTY, $13-$15 Fruit-forward and moderately complex. Tasting of roasted nut, pineapple, lemon peel. Long finish. 2% Gewurztraminer. 17,000 cases. Drink through 2006. CARPE DIEM, 2003 FIREPEAK VINEYARD., EDNA VALLEY, $23-$25 Fine texture and character. Taste reminiscent of fresh apple and pear. Possess refreshing acidity and moderate length finish. 4,000 cases. Drink through 2006. CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE, 2003 COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON, $11-$13 A great value wine filled with refreshing notes of roasted nut, apple, vanilla and wood. Full-bodied and slightly complex. 250,000 cases. Drink through 2006. CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE * 2003 CANOE RIDGE VINEYARD, $18-20 * 2003 COLD CREEK VINEYARD, COLUMBIA VALLEY, $23-$25 The Chateau Ste, Michelle is consistently getting better every year. The ’03 Canoe Ridge is round, full bodied. Excellent in character and texture. It features long and persistent aftertaste. Cold Creek on the other hand, is more subdued yet refreshingly youthful. It features the ripe flavors of juicy fruits. Possess distinctive long finish. Drink through 2006. CONCANNON, 2003 CENTRAL COAST, $10-$11 Full-bodied and ripe. Taste reminiscent of tropical fruits, roasted nuts, lemon peel and toast. Moderately complex and round. 80,000 cases. Drink through 2006. HAHN ESTATES, 2003 MONTEREY, $12-$13 Fruity with hints of oaky tendencies. Full-bodied and well-balanced. Tasting of apple, toast, roasted nut, and pineapple. 22,000 cases. Drink through 2006. KENDALL-JACKSON, 2002 CAMELOT HIGHLANDS, SANTA MARIA VALLEY, $25-$27 Great wine of excellent price. Lush, rich yet crisp. This wine features delectable combination of fine flavors of vanilla, roasted nut, lemon peel and pineapple. Possess long and refreshing finish. 220 cases. Drink through 2006. PATZ & HALL * 2003 DUTTON RANCH, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, $39-$41 * 2003 HYDE VINEYARD, CARNEROS, $51-$53 Delicate and pleasant is the Dutton Ranch Chardonnay. It features intense flavors of pineapple, toast and lemon. Full-bodied and very long finish. 1,995 cases. Supple and elegant is the Hyde Vineyard. It is full-bodied with persistent long finish. Taste reminiscent of apple, pineapple, toasted oak, vanilla and lemon. 1,143 cases. Drink through 2006. TESTAROSSA, 2003 CASTELLO, CENTRAL COAST, $27-$29 Pale golden color. Noteworthy body and texture. A bit complex in flavor accentuated by earthy finish. Tastes reminiscent of pineapple, peach, lemon peel and toast. 2,234 cases. Drink through 2006.