Wine of the Week: Hanna Chardonnay

<p>This week's tasting panel included Sean McKensie, assistant winemaker of Clos du Bois; Larry Van Aalst, sommelier of Equus and host for CRN Radio; Roland Hankerson, general manager of the Wine Spectrum Shop & Bar; and Press Democrat columnist Pet Melnik.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><h3>Wine of the Week</h3> <p>Hanna, 2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($20) ****</p><p>A complex chardonnay with lively flavors. Aromas and flavors of honeysuckle, apple, peach, melon, vanilla, brown spice. Light acidity.</p><h3>Runners-Up</h3> <p>Acacia, 2006 Carneros ($19.50) *** ½</p><p>A bright chardonnay with good acid. Notes of citrus, brown spice and cinnamon. Long, focused finish.</p><p>Benziger, 2006 Carneros ($18) ***</p><p>A good chardonnay with bright acidity and good balance. Notes of Meyer lemon and vanilla. Steely finish.</p><p>Chalk Hill, 2005 Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley ($45) *** ½</p><p>A ripe chardonnay with medium complexity. Rich mouth-feel. Nice flavors of pear and citrus. Long finish.</p><p>Franciscan, 2006 Cuvee Sauvage, Carneros, Napa Valley ($40) *** ½</p><p>A ripe, tropical chardonnay. Aromas of tangerine and orange blossom. Flavors of apricot, creme brulee, honey and toast. Nectarine finish.</p><p>Jordan, 2006 Russian River Valley ($30) ***</p><p>A toasty chardonnay with good citrusy flavors. Notes of almonds and lime. Balanced.</p><p>MacRostie, 2006 Carneros ($24) ** ½</p><p>A chardonnay with aromas and flavors of dried apricot, melon and butterscotch. Slightly disjointed.</p><p>Patz &amp; Hall, 2006 Hyde Vineyard, Carneros ($55) ***</p><p>A toasty chardonnay with a touch of butterscotch. Aromas and flavors of pear, dried apricot, fig, Meyer lemon and caramel. Integrated tannins.</p><p>Rodney Strong, 2006 Russian River Valley Reserve ($40) ****</p><p>A lovely chardonnay with complex flavors. Rich, with aromas and flavors of pear, tangerine and mineral. Nice length.</p>