Rafanelli: That touch of tartness this one originally showed is gone. A littl on the light side for this winery, with cranberry, cherry, strawberry and spice. It is smooth and elegant. If you have some don't wait too much longer. 89 points.
Rombauer: Full bodied and zesty with hints of toasted oak and a slight mineral flavor. Stands up to rich food. Very nice. 90 points

Cheers!
And remember: Life's too short to drink bad wine.

Big thumbs up from here on the 2001 Rombauer Chard, too. Excellent value at around $23.

Cheers,

Otis

KOH, would you say the Rombauer is similar to previous years in style (lots of butter and oak)? Probably better than the 2000?

MM,
The Queen found more oak than I did. But she had smoked chicken and I had oysters with a thick brie sauce. The wine really stood up to it very well.
Liked it enough to pick up a few more bottles. But I know your disdain for oak. Try the Pine Ridge Dijon Clones for a stylistically different chardonnay. It's great.
Cheers!
And remember: Life's too short to drink bad wine.