1995 Kalin Chardonnay Cuvee LV Sonoma County

Releasing an 18-year-old Chardonnay is astonishing, but the 1995 Chardonnay Cuvee LV, which comes from the Long Vineyards in west Dry Creek, went through full malolactic, was aged in 50% new French oak for 12 months, and was bottled without filtration. It exhibits a light gold color followed by unbelievably fresh citrus notes intermixed with hints of lemon oil, white currants and candle wax. It is medium to full-bodied and flavorful, with no trace of oxidation or oak, this beautiful, rich, incredibly well-balanced Chardonnay will easily last another decade. Yes, Terry Leighton marches to the beat of not just a different drummer, but a different solar system. These 1995 and 2000 whites are his currant releases. I have been a big fan of his wines for many years (I still have a few bottles of his 1981 Pinot Noir and some of his older Sauvignon Blancs and Semillons in my cellar); he is a master at making incredibly long-lived wines. His Sauvignon Blanc is California’s longest-lived Sauvignon. These are unbelievable wines from an eccentric genius. Review Date: December 2013