1997 Reserve Chardonnay Varietal/Style: Chardonnay Origin: Santa Barbara County, CA Vintage: 1997 Winemaker: Ardison Phillips Rating: 14/20 Retail Price: $17.50

Tasting Notes: This Chardonnay is a perfect example of the term "stylized" in describing wines. It is almost as though winemaker Ardison Phillips punched into a magical winemaking computer a formula for the perfect, California-style Chardonnay and his 1997 Reserve is what resulted. Full-bodied and tropical with a creamy mouthfeel, it finishes with a flourish. Although the toast of French oak is present, it never overwhelms the wine's forward fruit character. (Date tasted 08/26/00)

Bailey's Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Varietal/Style: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cab Franc, 2% Merlot Origin: Santa Barbara County, CA Vintage: 1997 Winemaker: Ardison Phillips Rating: 15/20 Retail Price: $35.00

Tasting Notes: This medium-bodied, deep-red wine is one of the Central Coast's most easy-drinking Cabs. A leather and tobacco nose lead to concentrated fruit flavors of cherry and blackberry. A remarkably well-balanced wine, it finishes with soft tannins and a hint of caramel. We did like it! (Date tasted: 6/10/00)

Profile: In 1976 winemaker Ardison Phillips began producing a line of wines from sourced fruit for his Studio Grill restaurant in Hollywood. Today, Phillips makes his wines from Central Coast fruit under the McKeon-Phillips label. Chef, winemaker and talented artist, Phillips not only makes the estate's food-friendly wines but also designs the winery's arresting labels.

Address:
2115 S. Blosser Rd., Ste. 114
City: Santa Maria, CA
Phone: 805-928-3025
Web site: www.mckeonphillipswinery.com
E-mail: ardison@mckeonphillipswinery.com