Recommendation: It’s VERY SPECIAL CHARDONNAY that’s way under valued at $22!!!
Winery/Producer: Kalin Cellars; Novato, California.
Grape Variety: Chardonnay.
Geographic Region, Appellation: Long Vineyards, located in the West Dry Creek area of Sonoma County, California.
Vintage: 1995
Price: $22.00
Purchased From: The Caviste Wine Shop; Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Paired With: Murray’s brie cheese and roasted garlic; garden salad.
Tasting:
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He said: Chilled before opening. Clear, dark golden color. Clean and fresh citrus and ripe apple aromas. Smooth, dry, slightly creamy mouth-feel and strong medium-body; fresh tropical fruit, lemon and a touch of cinnamon in the taste, all of which continues through the long finish. WOW, WOW, WOW…STUNNING Chardonnay!!! When I opened the bottle the entire cork was like a wet sponge and I thought the wine might be bad, but there was no oxidation and we were in for a real treat. Not your typical California oaky and buttery Chardonnay, instead it had rich creamy flavors and just enough acidity to keep it all together and give it a perfect balance. FANTASTIC pairing with the Brie & roast garlic and equally good drinking after the dinner. It’s VERY SPECIAL CHARDONNAY that’s way under valued at $22. And, I give it two thumbs up for one of the best bottles of California Chardonnay we have ever had!!!
Just a short side note, The bottle was opened just before we started drinking it and we both thought it improved with each pour. If we can get another bottle I’ll definitely open it an hour before drinking begins.
She said: Slightly cloudy, very dark golden color. The dark color and old vintage date set up red flags, but they were quickly put to rest after I smelled and tasted the wine. There was no hint of off flavors and in fact the aroma was pleasant and fruity. The layers of flavor were mellow and even more pleasing when accompanied by the delicious mouth-feel that had plenty of body and a creamy smoothness. The finish was long and carried the flavors as well as the smooth creaminess. The wine was fabulous with the cheese and roasted garlic as well as tasting alone. At $22 it’s outstanding and I can’t wait to have it again.
Alcohol: 13.8%
UPC Code: NA
Imported by: NA
Photo from Brant Ward, The San Francisco Chronicle.