Samuel Louis Smith describes himself as a "micro-négociant" working in Monterey, the Sta Rita Hills and Santa Cruz Mountains to make tiny batches of exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. He's been mentored by none other than François Villard, and he's currently the winemaker at Morgan in the Santa Lucia Highlands. All that experience shows in this superb rendition of Chardonnay from the two superb Gabilan Mountain AVA vineyards, Coastview and Pelio, both situated above 2,000 feet. There's a pineapple-y, tangerine quality to the nose that yields to flavors of subtle, persistent minerality and the most tender essences of Chardonnay. To our taste, Smith is the foremost practitioner in California when it comes to making Chardonnay that expresses the full range of the grape without excessive oak, concentration or alcohol. Best to act quickly on this wine, as the whole world of wine critics has jumped on the bandwagon! Organic.