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 organically-farmed Chardonnay from the north-facing Spear Vineyard, which sits close to Route 246. All the power and intensity that can sometimes overtake Sta Rita Hills Chardonnay has been tamed into a focused, bright and mineral wine of 12.9% alcohol, featuring spice, vanilla bean and a hint of toasted coconut. Best to act quickly on this wine, as the whole world of wine critics has jumped on the bandwagon! Organic.