Mayfield Vineyard Block 14 Chardonnay 2022

This single block Chardy is, as they say, “a showcase of our vineyard”. Fermentation with 100% grape solids before transfer to new and older French puncheons, hogsheads and barrels with 50% malo. Whether one prefers this or the Thomas really will come down to personal preference as both are cracking wines. For me, this takes the biscuit by the barest whisker. A very pale lemon hue, the wine is leaner, more focused, more obviously elegant (does the small reduction in malo make that much difference or is it the vineyard source?). River stone notes, hints of stonefruit and a minerally backing. Also finely balanced with good, citrussy acidity running the length. For me, the length here is slightly superior to the Thomas, but I know that support is divided (that said, you can’t go wrong selecting either). Enjoy over the next six to eight years.