Wine of the week: Chardonnay

<p>Wine writer Peg Melnik had a blind tasting this week of chardonnays, ranging from crisp and lean to rich and ripe. Several in the mix were tasty, but the standout was the 4-star rated Benziger, 2007 Carneros Chardonnay.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><h3>TOP PICK</h3> <p>Benziger</p><p>2007 Carneros Chardonnay ($16) ****</p><p>An elegant, focused chardonnay. Supple and creamy. Aromas and flavors of apple, pear and vanilla.</p><h3>Others worth noting:</h3> <p>Ferrari-Carano, 2007 Alexander Valley Chardonnay, $25. ****</p><p>A full-bodied, rich chardonnay. Aromas and flavors of apple, lemon and toffee. Fig on the finish.</p><p>Steele, 2006 DuPratt Vineyard, Mendocino Ridge Chardonnay, $28. ****</p><p>A refreshing chardonnay with a creamy texture. Aromas and flavors of pear, melon and lemoncurd. Crisp finish.</p><p>Rued, 2007 Russian River Valley, Sonoma County Chardonnay, $18. ****</p><p>A showy style, but it could use more structure behind it. Toasty with notes of melon and lemon. Long finish.</p><p>Sebastiani, 2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, $18. ****</p><p>A lively chardonnay with good acid. Aromas and flavors of melon, lemon, lemon curd and toffee.</p>