Sounds is a brand-new boutique wine project from Jason Exposto, longtime winemaker at FUTO Estate, and Lauren Strojny, created to craft Chardonnay that reflects the purity and clarity of California’s coastal terroirs. The name refers to sea-trenched valleys shaped by the ocean, a fitting metaphor for their marine-influenced vineyards. Exposto brings international experience and a grower-first philosophy, while Strojny’s passion for Chardonnay was shaped at Calera and in the limestone-rich Gabilan Mountains. Together, they form a partnership grounded in place, precision, and restraint. The 2023 debut vintage comes from Waters Ranch Vineyard, originally planted in 1998 by David Abreu with the same budwood used for Helen Turley’s Marcassin Vineyard. About half an acre is dedicated to Chardonnay on this predominantly Cabernet and Red Bordeaux varietal site, which Jason and Lauren farm themselves, drawing on their viticulture experience at FUTO and beyond. This 2000-foot elevated vineyard is special and this wine, with more time in bottle, will become a stunning Chardonnay. Decant for a half-hour before drinking to fully unlock the wine’s aromas and complexity.