Made from 100% Wente Clone Chardonnay, this barrel sample of the 2019 Chardonnay UV Vineyard is set to be aged for 15 months in French oak and concrete egg. It delivers notes of crushed rocks and chalk dust over a core of white peaches and fresh pears plus a hint of toasted almonds. Medium to full-bodied, it is wonderfully expressive in the mouth with tons of stone fruit and spicy layers, finishing with great length. 250 cases are due to be made.

Maxem is the personal project of Sam Kaplan who makes wines for Arkenstone and Memento Mori. Just 250 cases were produced of this Chardonnay from the UV Vineyard – a site first planted in 2001 by the late Ulises Valdez Sr. It's bright with lofty white florals, lemon cream, crushed Marcona almonds, kiwi and vanilla spice from 15 months' French oak ageing. A lovely round texture supports plush, concentrated orchard fruit with subtle baking spice accents, while zippy acidity gives way to a pronounced saline mineral finish.