CHARDONNAY
96 Samuel Louis Smith 2021 Spear Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills). Everyone needs to get fired up by brisk, racy and mineral-driven Chardonnays like these—they’re the future. Aromas of just-ripe apple, Meyer lemon zest, white flower and stone drop into a palate of wet concrete, tight pear and delicate honeydew. —M.K.
abv: 12.8% Price: $42
96 Seabold Cellars 2020 Olsen Prunetucky Sands Chardonnay (Monterey). For full review see page 89.
abv: 12.7% Price: $40
Pioneering vintner Bryan Babcock tapped two of his favorite vineyards, Peake Ranch and Bien Nacido, to craft this compelling wine. Sharp lemon and lemongrass aromas cut like a laser through the peach and honeysuckle of the nose. The palate is energetic with more sharp lemon alongside those warmer stone-fruit and almond flavors. . —M.K.
