Coupla chards tonight–both with a couple years on them–each showing beautiful things the grape can do, and very dissimilar wines. The Seasmoke–shockingly–burned with bright acidity: an oyster-shell sort of chalky vibrancy spiked with sharp pangs of citrus. In the mouth, it *feels* heavier than the posted 13-9, and maintains a green-appley, tropical thin-ness throughout. The Maritana is deeper yellow, districutes much more butterscotch and rich applesauce in the nose. It’s stony and wilted-vegetal: creating welcome funk where the Santa Barbara thives on distinct *clean-ness*. Far more rich and concentrated in the mouth–almost sweet in deliciousness–but about the same amount of heat in finish, though the acidic tang in the RRV climbs strongly in that final arena compared to all-frontal in the SoCal.

Do you want my personal opinion? or should I just be objective? First of all, I am pleasantly surprised by the Seasmoke. It’s actually rather Chablis-like. Maybe more Meursault-like. Rather surprised. If just ONE bling-bro buys this wine just for the label and LIKES IT, they have done the world a favor, as it is LIGHTYEARS better than Belle Glos, Rombauer, Far Niente, etc. etc. etc. It actually could turn someone toward serious Chardonnay. The Donald Patz is a sublimely elegant wine. SOOOOO luscious. SOOOOO decadent. So grippy with complexity throughout its range: it sings on so many levels. It’s more expensive, but you can buy it right now all day, every day while Seasmoke is allocated–but it’s an easy list to get on. AAAAAnd it’s distributed, so…… What I’m trying to say is: I love Chardonnay.

2021 SEASMOKE Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills Santa Barbara Co. 13.9
https://www.seasmoke.com/

2020 MARITANA Chardonnay Kent Richie VYD Russian River Valley Sonoma 13.5
https://maritanavineyards.com/