2/8/2019 - csimm wrote: 100 points

Sam Kaplan - Arkenstone, Mememto Mori, Maxem, Vangone: An outrageously gorgeous example of the varietal. Freshly squeezed lemon juice, Meyer lemon olive oil, Bellini, yellow pear, citrus blossom, cardamom seed, and subtle rock dust. A flick of pineapple appears and disappears throughout the delivery as well, adding to the intensity and fruit concentration, especially mid-palate. Finishes decidedly pure, fresh, clean, and speedy, but also unctuously mouthwatering. A zippy lemon zest note on the tail makes for an even more exciting ride.

Smooth and seamless, layered and concentrated, all the while maintaining a cadence that marries deliberate intent with inviting flavor. Even as a barrel sample, this completely manages to dodge the hollow glycol hit that so many of even the best domestic Chardonnays can become afflicted with. No syrupy 2AM alcohol lemontini effect going on here. This is sexy sophistication at its finest, even outdoing its older 2016 sibling by a decent margin.

The total delivery of flavor on the 2017 Maxem Pinot and Chardonnay highlights Sam Kaplan’s signature ability to enhance seamlessness and textural sophistication, creating a mouthfeel that is both silky and intense. The balance of depth of flavor concentration-to-grip is also admirable, with needed acid and tension interplaying beautifully with the ripe fruit. Never sweet or cloying, but compellingly flavorful and satiating.

Once in bottle, these wines will produce smiles all around for both flavor-hounds and wine geeks alike. Ultimately give the Pinot and Chardonnay a year in bottle to get fully settled-in, though the Chardonnay is so irresistible that it will be more of a hit-the-ground-running kind of gratification.

Barrel sample. 98-100 points for the Chardonnay.

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