From a cool, sandy plot located in the Santa Maria Valley, southwest of Bien Nacido, the 2010 Chardonnay Solomon Hills is flat out gorgeous. Offering up loads of citrus, mineral, lemon curd and hints of nuttiness, it has a steely, racy feel on the palate with superb clarity and definition. While lean and racy, it builds beautifully on the palate and has plenty of richness. Enjoy it through 2019. Drink 2014-2019. This was one thrilling lineup of wines by Adam Tolmach and assistant winemaker Fabien Castel and this is always one of my favorite visits during my trip through the region. After making wine for close to 30 years, Adam continues to push for improvement and is subtly tweaking his wines to get more freshness, focuses and elegance out of them. Minimal new oak, low SO2 and few rackings are all the norm here, and these 2009s, 2010s and 2011s are some of the strongest wines I’ve tasted from this estate. They’re all highly recommended. Tel. (805) 798-3947; www.ojaivineyard.com