2018 Maxem Chardonnay UV Vineyard
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Made from 100% Wente Clone Chardonnay, the 2018 Chardonnay UV Vineyard was aged for 15 months in French oak and concrete egg. It springs from the glass with notions of fresh grapefruit, lemon drops and mandarin peel plus hints of white blossoms, coriander seed and shaved ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a beautiful satiny texture with loads of mineral sparks among the citrusy fruit flavors, finishing with a spicy kick. 280 cases were made.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
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Not yet bottled, the 2018 Chardonnay UV Vineyard comes from a higher-yielding, long, even growing season. It has a similar aromatic style to the 2017 yet is slightly more fresh and vivid, with lots of honeysuckle, acacia flowers, and citrus aromatics, medium to full body, terrific balance, and a great finish. It’s certainly an outstanding wine and is going to check in near the 2017. The personal label of the up-and-coming Sam Kaplan, these Maxem releases should be snatched up by readers.