2009 Oliver’s Vineyard Chardonnay

89 Points. Connoisseurs' Guide, Aug 2011. Although again firmly balanced and showing very clear kinship with the rest of the Talley ef-forts, this one stands out by being a little rounder and more forthright in fruit with apples and honey and sweet oak sharing the billing. It crisps up at the finish and takes on a faint stony tang, and, if showing fine potential for a few years of improvement, it is an entirely likeable wine that will be useful early on.

89 Points. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Issue 196. The 2009 Chardonnay Oliver's Vineyard possesses excellent depth and nuance in its fruit, although it comes across as a touch heavy with less overall complexity next to the 2008 tasted alongside it. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014.

93 Points. Wine Enthusiast Online. 10/1/2011. A gorgeous Chardonnay, so dry and crisp, it makes the mouth water, yet so rich it dazzles. Shows waves of tangerine, apricot and lime flavors, liberally oaked, ac-companied by vibrant acidity and the perfect touch of softening cream from lees aging. Drink now. — S.H.

92 Points. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar. Bright gold.  Pungent, intensely perfumed aromas of honeydew, nectarine and orange pith, with suave floral and spice notes and a hint of white pepper.  Lush and sappy on entry, then more nervy in the mid-palate, with excellent focus to its citrus and pit fruit nectar flavors.  The floral quality comes back strongly on the finish, which hangs on with excellent tenacity.