2001 August Briggs Carneros Chardonnay

This is a rich, leggy Chardonnay with citrus and butterscotch notes, a discreet touch of oak and an elegant finish. All the elements are beau- tifully balanced; here’s one California Chardonnay that drinks as well with food as it does as an aperitif.

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Region: Carneros/ Napa Valley

Price: About $25

Style: Elegant and restrained

Food it goes with: Nicoise salad, sauteed scallops, whole fish roasted under salt, roast birds

Where you find it: Bacchus in Manhattan Beach, (310) 372-2021 and Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454;

or call the Briggs Family in Calistoga, (707) 967-1143.