The 2005 Jeff Gordon Carneros Chardonnay has just been released and is ready to enjoy. This is the second year of production for this highly acclaimed wine. Moderate crop levels, coupled with a late growing season, allowed these 30-year-old vines from a single vineyard just inside Sonoma County to produce grapes with tropical fruit aromas as well as flavors of citrus, melon, pear and honey. It is well balanced with a full, round finish. The wine was barrel fermented in 100 percent French oak. Only 249 cases were produced.

A limited number of wooden gift boxes, signed by Jeff Gordon himself and each bearing a hologram for signature authenticity, will be available in mid-November on a first-come, first-served basis. Each hinged box contains one bottle of the 2005 Chardonnay and two genuine Riedel Extreme Series Chardonnay glasses packed in soft foam. Individual bottles of wine and glasses are also available for purchase.

The wine is shipped to most states by Buffalo?s Shipping Post in Napa, CA (707-226-7942) or www.buffship.com.  It is sold in retail stores and fine-dining restaurants in five other states: North Carolina, Colorado, Indiana, New York and Florida.

In North Carolina only, consumers may order from Reid?s Fine Foods in Charlotte (704-377-1312) or 7thstreetwineshop@reids.com, Arthur?s in Charlotte (704-366-8610) or www.arthurs-wine.com, The Wine Merchant in Raleigh (919-828-6929) and Cary (919-469-1330) or for both www.twmwine.com and at Erick?s Wine and Cheese in Banner Elk (828-898-9424) or www.erickswineandcheese.com.  Arthur's, The Wine Merchant and Erick's will also ship to most other states.

The easiest way to find a dealer in the other states is to call the distributors: In Colorado, Synergy Fine Wines (303-831-6130); New York, T. Edward Wines (212-233-1504); Indiana, Crossroad Vintners (317-471-1038).

Florida residents should keep checking back as compliance paperwork is still being processed.