A lean Chardonnay by Napa Valley standards, with more of a grapefruit character than the more typical tropical fruits, but the sunshine can’t hide completely and it skims across the surface with subtle notes of orange blossom, honeyed nuts and key lime pie. Sometimes the citrus character dominates, but a little patience will reward the attentive and those lovely toothsome notes resurface to give the wine dimension and a loose sense of place, although the high acidity (thanks to early-picked grapes) and cool winds from San Pablo Bay, make it ultimately atypical for Napa. A Puligny-Montrachet-inspired Chardonnay with tremendous energy that is only just in the starting blocks. 12.5% alc. No battonage. Partial malolactic fermentation. Seasoned French oak. Organic. Vegan-friendly. Drink now-2030.

NB The ‘Linda Vista’ Vineyard lies just across the creek behind Sean Matthiasson’s house in one Napa’s classic spots for Chardonnay. In fact, Chardonnay from the neighbouring vineyard won the famous ‘Judgment of Paris’ tasting in 1976.

Organic (certified)

Decanter: "It is evocative of lemon sorbet and mint leaf, with clean, pleasing aromatics that communicate a sense of coolness owing to the crushed chalk minerality that leaps from the glass. This Chardonnay comes from a vineyard behind the Matthiasson's home in Napa. Linda Vista Vineyard sits in the West Oak Knoll and is one of the classic Chardonnay spots in Napa, going to the 1960s. The palate offers tart Meyer lemon pulp, muddled mint leaves and notes of honeyed ginger tingle into the finish. Drink now-2033." 94 points

JancisRobinson.com: “Pale lemon-green in colour. Tangy lemon kefir on the nose with mineral stoniness and a modicum of spice. Racy and energising with layers of lemon zest, yellow peach, golden apple, pandan-leaf greenness and well-integrated toastiness from oak. Flavours stretch out for ages and finish with the barest touch of butterscotch. Perfectly balances a roundness of mouthfeel with electric acidity. Leave the bottle please! (SCJ). Drink now-2030.” 17.5 points