The 2009 Chardonnay Bee Block is just 20 feet from the Amphitheater Block but here the exposure turns east. The Bee Block is the most overt of these 2009 Chardonnays from Varner. Here the fruit moves toward the tropical end of the spectrum perhaps owing to a richer layer of topsoil. Nevertheless this is the closest wine to what readers are likely to identify as California Chardonnay. Once again the integration of French oak is nothing short of masterful. The long textured finish is striking. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.