Warm rich figgy fruit on the palate with preserved lemon and intense notes of grapefruit rind, acids sneaking in at the back. Many layers in space and time. Savory notes on the nose, nuts and sherry, green olives, a whisper of vanilla, a bit of rusty old iron. So interesting to taste a Chardonnay of this age. The finish goes on forever. 13.8% alcohol.
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Rich yellow gold. Shy, lightly oxidized nose of marmalade and lemon rind with a hint of vanilla. Very smooth full bodied fruit on the palate, honeyed quince and bitter grapefruit rind, some nutty notes at the back, acids reduced to a light but essential frame around the edges, like a light vinegary salad dressing on a salad full of dried fruits and nuts. A finish that goes on forever, echoing around the edges of the palate. Something essentially sweet and sour and beautifully balanced in the end. 13.8% alcohol.
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On the nose, salinity, dried apricots, and white pepper. Unctuous honeyed fruit on the palate with a warm glow of acid and a crisp citrus rind bitterness at the back.
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Mixed WTDS at The Kenwood (The Kenwood, Mpls, MN): Medium plus gold color. Drank a glass over 90 minutes. I wasn't very optimistic about this whenI first poured it. The palate was sharp and alcocholic, but it was also pretty cold. I will say this has been one of those wines that has been considerably better as it warms to room temp - and it also is well served by aeration. This proved to the case again tonight. Butterscoth and lemo oik on the nose, a little lacquer. The palate is deep and rich, rather decadent, full bodied, lemon oil, butterscotch, ground almoands. I do get some heat on the finish, but only at times. The sharpness really resolved as this warmed and aerated. Not great, but pretty good. 89 or maybe better.
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Steve makes Brisket; 9/9/2018-9/11/2018 (Steve and Jennie's): Pop and pour, this bottle was not completely oxidized like one we had a year ago. There is a lot of butterscotch, ample acidity along with lemon oil. The complexity level is quite high, but it is an odd wine. Others liked it better than me, although I am intrigued. This did not seem to be anything like a white burgundy, and yet it has aged very well (this bottle).
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Drunk at Kong Hans' Kælder, an exclusive restaurant in Copenhagen, as a part of their prestige wine menu. It was poured blind, and we quickly stated it to be an old wine from the nutty colour. The nose was also clearly aged, with an interesting dominance of hazelnuts, but also complex aromas of crushed stone, sun warm wood, and a slight oxidized hint. We were a bit confused at first, wondering if it was an aged Rioja or a more modern "yellow" wine. Then, when we tasted it, the Burgundy identity stood forward. Crystal clear, ripe citrus flavours first, then some tropical fruit. all laced by intriguing notes of nuts and oak. Beautifully balanced fruit and acidity, long aftertaste with hint of minerals (crushed stone). Improved in the glass for at least half an hour. Our best guess was a 1er Cru Puligny at about ten years of age, and the shock was great when it turned out to be a Sonoma Valley Chardonney more than 20 years old. I will be more careful in my bashing of Califormia whites in the future, and I will surely search for younger versions of this wine. However good, I prefer my white wines somewhat younger.
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Dark honey-gold in color, but tastes fresh and alive—especially for a 23-year-old wine! Am excellent Chardonnay with the intriguing flavor profile that I've come to expect from Kalin's white offerings.
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So - first things first, these bottles show a lot of bottle variation, so I'm not surprised to see the reviews sort of all over the place. This bottle was fortunately showing perfectly. Fruit still present, supported by all the positive tertiary characteristics you would hope to see in a 22 year old wine. In general, I'm noticing the '95 Cuvee LV's are showing much better than 95 Cuvee W's
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Youthful pale color, I had high hopes for this. Notes of citrus, pineapple and tropical notes with an underlying stony minerality...lovely bouquet. Nice on the attack with a citrusy orchard fruit quality, but it falls off on the midpalate and ends with a harsh quality in the back of the throat. Develops a tarragon note with air and the harsh quality softens, but it never really comes around on the midpalate.
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My experience with the Kalin wines, over the past ten plus years, has consistently shown me that aeration prior to service is essential to enjoyment. That said, this was aerated for 1 hr in wide-bottom decanter before being returned to bottle; even then, this wine didn't really begin to perform until mid-way through the second glass, some 2 hours after the cork had been removed. Another data point here, this was best at ~ 45-50F to start; beyond 55F, and the wine seemed groggy. OK, so what was there, after getting it to the ideal time/temp? think GC Burgundy. A good one. Which says it all, I believe. Now and the next 5+ years. highly recommended
Served non-blind, at Intro, Chicago (they totally nailed the food and service, highest marks!)
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Non-Blind Very Nice Reds (St. Genevieve): Oxidized. Drank next to the 1995 cuvee W, which was a stunner. This wine was considerably darker. in color. Both of the corks disintegrated.
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Annual Wine Group Summer Event - BBQ Brisket at Siggy's (Siggy & Jenny's Place, Mpls, MN): Light-medium gold color - quite youthful looking. Drank 1 glass over 20 minutes. It was great to have this again. I've got several bottles that I have been sitting on. This was showing just great. Really a nice depth, full bodied, round on the palate, but not oaky or too fruity. Lemon, lemon curd, fresh and nice minerals. Very much like when I had before, but I think even better 18 months later.
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Kebobing Around: Vincent Edition.: crazy stuff. funky tropical notes mixing with leather? mid is ripe with sweet pineapple banana and also a nutty note. mango and orange zest. finish has a hint of sweet fruit and mineral. about as unusual as it gets and quite delicious!
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20+ Year Old Nebbiolo Dinner (Osteria Langhe): Nose comes across in an oxidative style with waxy fruit and drying melons. In the mouth it's less oxidative with round, ripe, tropical fruit. Low-ish acid so it starts to feel heavy on the backend. Nice spice component.
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In which 20+ year old Nebbiolos were consumed (Chicago, IL): This is chardonnay of a much bigger and opulent style. Heavier and rich on the palate, with a bit of cloying sweetness, though at the same time, there seems to be paradoxically quite a lot of acidity. Very spicy, there's almost something slightly gewurztraminer-like to this wine. The finish is a touch alcoholic. Certainly not my preferred style of chardonnay, but not a bad example of a large-scaled one either.
Interesting style, the wine looks oxidized and I am expecting the consequential flavors, but instead I am hit with an array of citrus, pulpy tropical fruits, and acid (as well as some oxidative notes). The wine has a full weight on the palate and a finish that just goes on and on. Kalin never ceases to impress.
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Madison Offline 2015; 8/27/2015-8/29/2015: My second time tasting this wine, again an interesting experience although I think my senile palate just doesn't get this. Notes of mint, motor oil, VA, just not in my kitchen when it comes to Chardonnay. Not scored. 13.8% abv
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Throwndown in Madtown; 8/27/2015-8/29/2015 (Madison, WI): Best bottle and of course, my last. Nose of spice, toffee, meyer lemon, slate, green apple, and orange zest. On the palate, crisp apple, lemon zest, tangerine, toffee, and hints of spicy oak. Long finish with lots of acidic kick. Really held its own with some great wines.
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I liked it, MB didn't. Too big for her, with some buttery oak. Nice combination of orchard, citrus and tropical notes; it looks and tastes evolved yet much younger than its years, still fresh with crisp tangy cut.
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Fairly consistent with last time I tried this; Some creamy, buttery notes on the nose lead to a firm, full-bodied palate with plenty of balancing acidity; Would be fascinated to try this with more age
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Really different than last bottle but this one got a lot more air. Last one was very tight and slightly bitter. This was a different Chardonnay with a couple hours of air. Hard to believe for a 20 year old Napa Chard. The fruit really showed on this one, still nice acid, not sweet or cloying...Drink with air or hold
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Nose of spice, toffee, meyer lemon, and orange zest. On the palate, crisp apple, lemon zest, tangerine, toffee, and hints of spicy oak. Long finish with lots of acidic kick. Last bottle but I think it will hold hear for a while longer. Drink within 2-3 years.
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big and rich chard with plenty of viscosity & mouth. Fruit is muted (afterall, 20 yr old wine). 93 pts? Perhaps I'm generous but I do enjoy this profile and wow, it's stood up really well.
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HDH Auction - first time with this producer. Pale color with a watery rim, some wood on the nose. Buttered popcorn on the mid-palate. Clean finish in that this is the current release from the winery. 13.8% abv.
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HDH auction tasting at Tru (Chicago, IL): Interesting nose with lots of ripe fruit and spice. Definitely this is one of those riper chardonnays. Thankfully there isn't oak though, and this makes it a lot more enjoyable. There's a potent popcorn note on the palate that reminds me a lot of Coche, but this is definitely a lot sweeter than the chardonnays I'm accustomed to. An eye-opening California chardonnay.
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HDH Auction (Tru - Chicago, IL): A typical Kalin Chard. Clean, pure fruit with nice popcorn aromas. The palate was beautiful. A bit sweet, but nicely balanced and elegant.
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Crystal clear (not remotely cloudy) darker gold color with some sediment on bottom of glass. Clean floral nose. PnP in white Burg Riedel glass. Although pitched as Grand Cru Burgundy like, by my retailer, I don't think anyone who drinks much white Burgundy would mistake this for white Burgundy. In remarkably good condition for a 20yr old wine ...from anywhere. Signature CA heavier body and lower acid but still a very pleasurable Chardonnay. Lets just be honest, White Burgundy, this isn't and that's not a slight. Reminds me more of a Kistler Vinehill for a 3rd of the price. Plenty of depth, power and elegance. Not a trace of premox but I don't see this improving either. Dominant flavors are caramel and butter along with a hint of orange zest and minerality. Oak is well integrated but still there. Terrific value for $30. I bought one and satisfied with that. If, I had more I'd drink them in next year or three tops. I'd rate this a little higher if had more lift and felt less weighty. Paid $30 and 100% worth that plus.
In a great place right now; This has layers of tropical fruits, citrus and minerals, although the palate is not too sweet or oaky; There's a nice thread of acidity coarsing through the finish, and despite being 20 years old, this still has plenty of life left
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Stellar, if unique, Chardonnay. Intense yellow in the glass. Not oxidized in the least. Medium body. Rich, yet light on its feet. A swirl of tropical and stone fruit flavors with no discernible oak or butter. Delicious.
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That is more like it! Nose of lemon curd, toffee, meyer lemon, and orange zest. On the palate, crisp and clean with great green apple, lemon zest, tangerine, toffee, and hints of spicy oak. Long finish with lots of zing. Best bottle of the lot so far. Drink now, I don't see any improvement from here, but my guess is that these will hold at this level a while longer, provided they have a good closure.
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Mike Grammer comes to town (Galletto Ristorante, Modesto Ca.): Another killer Kalin…fresh as can be! Clean and bright fruit…nice cream and oil feel…totally Burgundy here, with just the lightest hint of aged ox…but really fresh. Love the chalky spice, banana wax, savory crushed stones….well balanced and fun to drink.
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PopnPour, tasted over 2 hrs, cork disintegrated -translucent rich med gold -butterscotch oak -med- acidity, viscous but not heavy, considerable butterscotch and oak on long finish though well-balanced and not tropical or sweet -minimal oxidation leaves it quite fresh with a nice mouthfeel, a bit oakier than I prefer, although it's 20 years old it may actually improve with additional bottle age
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Deeply golden with an apple juice, custard, vanilla, very oaky nose with quite a bit of sherry tones. Yowza! Heavy vanilla bean, butterscotch, acrid oak palate with some oak sap and headache on the finish. Presumably not a good bottle.
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I keep enjoying the viscous, honey'd/butterscotchy flavors. Was it an 'oaky' Calif product when built? Sure. Has it evolved into a rich dessert'ish wine? Yup.
For a 20 year old chard, it had loads of fruit still but had clearly matured into the "liquid butterscotch/honey color and tastes" category. Bordered on dessert wine it was sweet and viscous.
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Considerable trouble getting the cork out cleanly. Deep golden color, nose of citrus peel, flint, and toffee. On the palate subdued with lemon curd, wet rock, and toffee. Crisp acidity finishes this off very well. Felt tired compared to previous bottles.
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The color was deep golden, and the nose was lemony with a hint of mustiness suggestive of a 20 year old wine. On the palate it was lemon oil, honeysuckle, and caramelized orange. The finish was long and had a hint of the mustiness that came through on the nose. Most surprising was how much acidity remained on the palate given the age of the wine. I don't see potential for further improvement.
Tasted blind. Deep gold colored. Enticing nose of vanilla wafers, butterscotch, peaches, pineapple, sea breeze, and beach scents. Luscious body, successful oak integration, tropical flowers, very nice acidity. Early Colorado peach palate. Floral, breezy finish with undertones of oysters on the half shell that carries on for a long time. This is a white wine with a lot to say. This did show signs of oxidation, but it was complex and bursting with flavor so I didn't care.
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Fantastic bottle IMHO, bright tropical nose, cork was soaked through, creamy light lemon oil tropical fruit peach orange still had a light silky texture with a bit of oak that imo added to the complexity. Delicious 20 year old cali chard wtf.
Severed blind at jerreylubowski's 1995 tasting. Nose and palate had a pine-like element that made me think it was Retsina-ish and perhaps Greek in origin. Then, I thought it was a older Bordeaux blanc, which can have some unusual flavors. Humbled again by these older wines! OK, overall a nice wine and would drink it again. Should also learn more about this producer.
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Served at my 1995 single blind tasting. I was the only sighted person. I thought this was a good wine, at $35. It's light color is immediately a nice sign, nice golden, not gloopy and nasty. The acid is still there, not a whole lot of nose, some residual sugar. You know it's chard, but you can't place it. This is a gem for CA, and we should be proud, and the only drawback is the corks always seem f----ed up on these and there may be some bottle variation. But Kalin is awesome.
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I decided to open this in anticipation of a get together over BBQ. I really like the fact that I can get an approximately 20 year old wine on release from Kalin for a reasonable price.
Opening the wine was a bit of an issue. I would say that the wine had worked its way 80% up the cork, which broke about 2/3 of the way down and sort of crumbled from there. Decanted the wine through a filter and poured back into the bottle. Although I was a bit worried about whether the wine was affected, those concerns drifted away as soon as I could smell the wine jumping out of the decanter.
The wine was golden yellow in color. There were no oxidized notes, which was refreshing given its age. On the nose, there were some floral notes, but butterscotch and pineapple that others have noted. Although "sweet" is more of a description of taste, I noted that the nose was sweet. However, the sweetness seemed to decrease as the wine sat in the glass.
The palate was a little bit heavier. I think that is due to the fact that I did not pick up much acid on the wine. There were some oaky notes but nothing over the top or distracting. I also picked up more minerality, stone fruits and lemon.
-- popped and poured -- -- tasted a couple glasses non-blind over a couple hours --
Mature color and Nose. Nice and relaxed. Buttery, but in an aged fruit kind of way rather than in a super oaky kind of way; medium acidity; alcohol not noticeable; consistent with bottle of a few months ago; drink now.
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Last Minute Get Together (Kevin and Vicki's): Deep gold color - very pretty. PNP, drank 2 glasses over an hour. As others have noted this evolves in the glass and becomes more complex and focused as it approaches room temperature. Truly a pleasurable experience. The nose has lemon, butterscotch, pineapple, and minerals with a surprising freshness. The palate is rich and full bodied, good power and depth, i still find noticeable but proper oak present, lemon, lemon oil, butterscotch, and stony minerality. This finishes fresh, full and long. A very cerebral wine that looks to have a number of years ahead of it yet. 92+pts.
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Outstanding. In excellent shape, no doubt due to its good acid structure (pale yellow, and not showing its age visually). Balanced fruit (citrus), vanilla, butter and oak flavors meld very nicely. Has a spicy aspect to it. Really delicious, with plenty of life left.
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The Cuvée LV hails from a slightly warmer section of the Long Vineyard in Dry Creek, aged in 50% new French oak for 12 months, and was bottled without filtration. Shiny, golden yellow in color with absolutely no sweet flavors or oxidized notes. On the palate the wine is full, rich and moderately complex, with hints of lemon oil and good length and grip on the focused and racy finish. . I did not find this to be oaky but girded with good energy and acidity. The cork came out clean but was very fragile and 80% soaked. Not to be compare to Grand Cru Burgundy but certainly represents a very good aged Chardonnay from California A big minus is that the alcohol does come through on the finish. Drink now.
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Cork came out cleanly, though it took some care. Lots of vanilla, coconut, toasty oak flavors with a bit of heat. Lively lemony fruit as well. Tastes surprisingly young.
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Deep yellow. Shy evolving nose of sea air, citrus rind, honey, something buttery and toasty. Liquid silk on the palate, subtle acids, rich yellow fruit on the back palate rising into an intense lingering finish with a lively bite to it. Complex but coherent, mercurial but soothing. Worth careful attention because it does not reveal all its qualities at once. 55+13+18+9.
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-- popped and poured -- -- tasted a couple pours non-blind over approx. 1.5 hours --
Rich golden yellow color. Clean butterscotch and ripe pineapple on the Nose, along with a hint of some kind of mint. On the palate this was initially quite oaky, but the oak did recede somewhat with time in the glass. 13.8% alc. did poke through a bit. Richly flavored, and definitely tastes aged. Not as much acidity as I was hoping for based on others' reviews, but the acid level was adequate for a 19 yo CA Chardonnay. The cork was soaked approx. 80% - 85% of the way to the top, and it did break/crumble when the waiter went to pull it out, so perhaps that should be taken into consideration (although I'm not convinced it necessarily should be). Overall, very good. Drink now.
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Bought 3 of these. Bottle one seemed over the hill, still drinkable but not a wine I would pursue. Now this bottle tonight is something else entirely. Deep gold color similar to bottle one, but much more lively on the palate. Mature nutty and deep fruit flavors but plenty of cut. This tastes like top-notch mature white burgundy to me. Surely the best California Chardonnay I've ever had. Both had crumbly corks so pull out your Durand if you have one. We had to use cheesecloth.
Cali chardonnay that tastes surprisingly fresh for its age, while attained high degree of roundness. I expected something more special from review of others. 90-91.
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Popped and poured. Nose of meyer lemon, tangerine, citrus peel, slate, flint, and salted caramel On the palate rich and creamy with bright citrus, tangerine, lemon curd, wet rock, and toffee. Crisp acidity finishes this off very well. Would love to serve this blind in a White Burg lineup. Drink or continue to hold, no hurry.
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Maybe the greatest Chardonnay I've ever had. The color was a brilliant gold. Perfect fruit and flavor. This is a 1995 wine...are you kidding me? It tasted as fresh as a 2012 Chard.
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I believe Robert Parker said these folks march to the beat of a different Universe! Gotta admire their style, releasing wines so long after the vintage. This Cuvee LV was creamy and remarkably fresh for being 19 years (19 years!) old. It was elegant with caramel and vanilla notes. I am not a fan of most mature wines (but I do appreciate them!) because of their lack of fruit (you can't have it all right?). This is a terrific wine. For a bottle like this, priced in the mid 30's, you absolutely must try it. It's good to support a winery like this.
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Great nose of Meyer lemons, apricots and honey jumped out of the glass. Definitely not a subtle wine. Tastes like a fully mature Premier Cru white Burgundy. Other reviewers call this very-Cali in style. Not sure I agree as great white Burgundies often become more fruit-forward as they reach maturity. Bottom line: For the money, this is an incredible wine. If I paid $75-100/btl, I would have been happy with it. At $35-40/btl., this is a no-brainer. First time to try so cannot comment on ability to age further. I recommend drinking now as it is drinking perfectly now.
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This was purchased at Batard in a dinner with mom, Pearl, Charmaine and Cassie. The wine opens with a crumbled cork and clocks at 13.8% abv. It pours with thick legs and a beautiful golden hue which evidences the age of the juice. On the nose, the wine is sweet with strong notes of cream, crème brûlée, peaches and honey. It is definitely more sweet than fruity, probably due to the higher amount of malolactic fermentation. On the palate, the wine is very unctuous with great structure. Alcohol is apparent. There are notes of licorice, wheatgrass, honey and provençal herbs. Finish is quite long and buttery and the alcohol still lingers in the mouth. A bit better balance would be better. Nevertheless, an incredible and opulent wine.
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Popped and poured. Notes are from later when wine was close to room temperature. This is definitely better after it gets above cellar temps. Nose of meyer lemon, tangerine, citrus peel, slate, flint, and butterscotch. On the palate rich and creamy with bright citrus, tangerine, lemon curd, wet rock, and salted caramel. Great finish with superb balance. Best bottle of the lot so far.
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I drank this one warmer than the previous day. The nose is much more prominent and the aromas are more complex. In addition to the mineral and fruit from yesterday, there is something creamy and dusty about the nose, with some notes of orange rind.
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Deep golden yellow. Light nose with mineral and stone fruit aromas. Full body on the palate with penetrating fruit, crisp acid and a very long high finish.
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Dinner at Browntrout (Browntrout - Chicago, IL): Served blind. Thought this was a 1997 white burgundy, maybe a Corton Charlemagne. Had a nose of lemons a touch of butterscotch and some flinty notes. The palate was rich with some oaky notes coming through, but neither the heft or oak were distracting to me. Acidity was pretty mellow on the finish, I think the Kalin wines are always a treat, and it's great to see how nicely the '95 LV Chard is progressing.
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Medium straw gold, bright and clear. The aromas took some time to develop, and there's no doubt this has a narrow temperature band of pleasure and openness, and the 55F I originally served this at proved too cool. After swirling and 15 minutes in the glass, this was happy to offer up notes of warm cashews, ripe apple, pear juice and crushed stones. The entry is poised, with more weight and viscosity than I was expecting, but thanks to very fresh, abundant acidity, nothing was flabby or tiresome. Medium+ body with deep, though well delineated layers of orchard and stone fruits, some grilled pineapple and citrus and almond tang on the lingering finish. Very clean, polished, with an appealing personality - even though it does require some patience, the peak at the 90 minute mark was highly rewarding. 13,8% abv, drink thru 2030. Much better as it warmed. PnP, that could have benefited from one hour in decanter. recommended
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Opens with notes of lemon chiffon, marzipan and pear. On the palate there is power and heft, yet it remains elegant and bright. Flavors of pear and citrus with a subtle honeyed apple quality on the finish. Actually paired quite nicely with porcini-dusted filet tips with (truffled?) foie gras sauce.
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Not my style. Big, uber rich, almost unctuous, Cali-char all the way, but slightly oxidized, yeasty, savory, a tad heavy. Lots of vanilla and cream. Its definitely not for everyone but everyone except me seemed to really like this wine (the bottle didn't last long.....).
I totally agree with Fournet (see review from August 2, 2013), this wine could use more acid to keep it lively on the mid palate and lift the finish off the floor. A wine like that never scores above an 89 in my system. He/she gave it a 90. I think that's too high and adjusted it accordingly.....
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This was my last bottle out of a full case, and it may well have been the best. Terry Leighton's wines are simply amazing, and this Chardonnay is no exception. Reminiscent of an old-style white Burgundy (think Vincent Leflaive-era Domaine Leflaive), this wine's complex, refined bouquet of orchard fruit, herbs and wet rocks is to die for! Expansive and authoritative on the palate, this cuvée certainly seems to have the stuffing to age and develop even further! Barrel fermented and aged in 50% new oak, this is one of Northern California's most compelling Chardonnays.
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This is a big Chard and obviously Cali in nature, not Burg. While I enjoyed it overall, there is stuff lacking. Very rich in style, like a Newton (cake icing). Fully bodied. Weakest aspect is the finish which is not sharp enough and slightly dominated by alcohol. Overall, I wish the alcohol were lower and the acidity were higher.
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From a pristine looking bottle, this wine had a light yellow center and clear rims. The low+ intensity nose showed lemons & macaroons.
This wine tasted odd and overly acidic for the first hour or so. Then developed to show a nice round texture with firm acidity and very good length. While not the most complex wine ever, it was in amazing condition for an 18 year old Chard.
Another interesting wine from this under-appreciated producer. While I doubt this will get any better, it looked and tasted so young it is hard to say for sure. Enjoy with after a couple hours of air.
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The cork was completely soaked through on this one, except for the top 10% or so... totally saturated. However, nothing seemed out of whack, though I didn't get quite the level of intensity noted by some others nor was present in the Semillon (but that's expected). The nose is lighter than the Semillon, but still harmonious and thick, lush, and creamy, with some lemon. Comparatively quiet, nearly delicate as well. Call it a white rose petal, no pollen. There's also a nice white peach aroma. Soft and round on the palate, and not as complex as their Semillon. A little chunky texture on the palate, with intense minerality and lemon flavor. Pretty darn pleasing, as the finish dials up with lots of acid and intensity. I'm hesitant to say an oxidative quality, because it's not really showing all those typical sherried flavors, it does offer a unique creaminess. 91+
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Creme brûlée and caramel flavors. Baked pear with supporting acidity on the mid palate. Long lingering finish. Not for everyone but I really like this.
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Cork was tight with no visible seepage and came out clean. Nose of creosote and like that of an aged Sauterne with hints of lemon chiffon. Creamy texture with a decent amount of acidity. Quite complex.
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Cork crumbled to pieces in the center when corkscrew was inserted. Removed remaining rim piece with an Ah So. On the nose, lovely creme brulee, lemon and caramel and some green herbs, but on the palate the wine was so hot that the flavors were quickly overwhelmed. Wine seemed to get hotter the longer it was open and quite quickly this heat crowded out all other flavors.
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Not as good as the 1995 LD I recently had from these guys, although it's hard to say how much of that is bottle variation. Finish was a bit too oaky for my taste, but otherwise great mature Chard.
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Beautiful aromas and flavors of fresh green apple, pear, caramel, and vanilla bean. All of these are seamlessly integrated. Long crisp finish with stunningly sharp acidity. I am just amazed by these Kalin wines each time I have one.
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9/30/2022 - ephorn Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still rich with butterscotch nuance. Still warm with alcohol. Rich golden color. Did not drink like a 27 yr old chardy, maybe half that.
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7/22/2022 - prism wrote: 97 Points
My last of four. Golden, rich, and wonderfully mature. So unique, yet recognizably Chardonnay in all the right ways. Drink up.
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9/6/2021 - wgmccallum Likes this wine: 96 Points
Warm rich figgy fruit on the palate with preserved lemon and intense notes of grapefruit rind, acids sneaking in at the back. Many layers in space and time. Savory notes on the nose, nuts and sherry, green olives, a whisper of vanilla, a bit of rusty old iron. So interesting to taste a Chardonnay of this age. The finish goes on forever. 13.8% alcohol.
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6/23/2021 - wgmccallum Likes this wine: 96 Points
Rich yellow gold. Shy, lightly oxidized nose of marmalade and lemon rind with a hint of vanilla. Very smooth full bodied fruit on the palate, honeyed quince and bitter grapefruit rind, some nutty notes at the back, acids reduced to a light but essential frame around the edges, like a light vinegary salad dressing on a salad full of dried fruits and nuts. A finish that goes on forever, echoing around the edges of the palate. Something essentially sweet and sour and beautifully balanced in the end. 13.8% alcohol.
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8/23/2020 - wgmccallum Likes this wine: 94 Points
On the nose, salinity, dried apricots, and white pepper. Unctuous honeyed fruit on the palate with a warm glow of acid and a crisp citrus rind bitterness at the back.
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4/10/2019 - rocknroller wrote: 89 Points
Mixed WTDS at The Kenwood (The Kenwood, Mpls, MN): Medium plus gold color. Drank a glass over 90 minutes. I wasn't very optimistic about this whenI first poured it. The palate was sharp and alcocholic, but it was also pretty cold. I will say this has been one of those wines that has been considerably better as it warms to room temp - and it also is well served by aeration. This proved to the case again tonight. Butterscoth and lemo oik on the nose, a little lacquer. The palate is deep and rich, rather decadent, full bodied, lemon oil, butterscotch, ground almoands. I do get some heat on the finish, but only at times. The sharpness really resolved as this warmed and aerated. Not great, but pretty good. 89 or maybe better.
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9/9/2018 - galewskj wrote: 91 Points
Steve makes Brisket; 9/9/2018-9/11/2018 (Steve and Jennie's): Pop and pour, this bottle was not completely oxidized like one we had a year ago. There is a lot of butterscotch, ample acidity along with lemon oil. The complexity level is quite high, but it is an odd wine. Others liked it better than me, although I am intrigued. This did not seem to be anything like a white burgundy, and yet it has aged very well (this bottle).
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8/28/2018 - dagij Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drunk at Kong Hans' Kælder, an exclusive restaurant in Copenhagen, as a part of their prestige wine menu. It was poured blind, and we quickly stated it to be an old wine from the nutty colour. The nose was also clearly aged, with an interesting dominance of hazelnuts, but also complex aromas of crushed stone, sun warm wood, and a slight oxidized hint. We were a bit confused at first, wondering if it was an aged Rioja or a more modern "yellow" wine. Then, when we tasted it, the Burgundy identity stood forward. Crystal clear, ripe citrus flavours first, then some tropical fruit. all laced by intriguing notes of nuts and oak. Beautifully balanced fruit and acidity, long aftertaste with hint of minerals (crushed stone). Improved in the glass for at least half an hour. Our best guess was a 1er Cru Puligny at about ten years of age, and the shock was great when it turned out to be a Sonoma Valley Chardonney more than 20 years old. I will be more careful in my bashing of Califormia whites in the future, and I will surely search for younger versions of this wine. However good, I prefer my white wines somewhat younger.
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8/6/2018 - prism wrote: 94 Points
Dark honey-gold in color, but tastes fresh and alive—especially for a 23-year-old wine! Am excellent Chardonnay with the intriguing flavor profile that I've come to expect from Kalin's white offerings.
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6/23/2018 - mid_palate Likes this wine:
An outstanding bottle. Cork saturated about 1/2 way through. Tasted much less oaky than the last bottle I had of this (several years back).
Nose is grilled pineapple, lemon curd, mango.
Quite full bodied. Medium-Minus acidity, but enough to hold it all together.
No hint of oxidation.
Some vanilla-buttery notes.
Great example of an older chard, and one of the (or maybe *the*) best California whites I've had.
Comparable in quality to some old Meursaults I've had lately, but notably riper fruit.
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5/11/2018 - Bruce 1er wrote: 96 Points
Luscious. A real charmer. No doubt its acidity has carried it. Somewhat viscous, with excellent, vibrant fruit and hints of spice. Crisp finish.
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8/31/2017 - CUTig1 wrote:
Open and let it breathe for an hour. Rating 90
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8/31/2017 - CUTig1 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Open early allow to breath about 1 hr.
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6/16/2017 - mxpbuy Likes this wine: 89 Points
Golden color. Although still very nice, clearly at the end of its drinking window. Hazelnut, butterscotch, some orange marmalade elements.
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2/23/2017 - Der Weingelehrte wrote: 94 Points
So - first things first, these bottles show a lot of bottle variation, so I'm not surprised to see the reviews sort of all over the place. This bottle was fortunately showing perfectly. Fruit still present, supported by all the positive tertiary characteristics you would hope to see in a 22 year old wine. In general, I'm noticing the '95 Cuvee LV's are showing much better than 95 Cuvee W's
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1/4/2017 - mike l. wrote: 88 Points
Good but not special.
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11/3/2016 - AllRed wrote: 85 Points
Youthful pale color, I had high hopes for this. Notes of citrus, pineapple and tropical notes with an underlying stony minerality...lovely bouquet. Nice on the attack with a citrusy orchard fruit quality, but it falls off on the midpalate and ends with a harsh quality in the back of the throat. Develops a tarragon note with air and the harsh quality softens, but it never really comes around on the midpalate.
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9/21/2016 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
My experience with the Kalin wines, over the past ten plus years, has consistently shown me that aeration prior to service is essential to enjoyment. That said, this was aerated for 1 hr in wide-bottom decanter before being returned to bottle; even then, this wine didn't really begin to perform until mid-way through the second glass, some 2 hours after the cork had been removed. Another data point here, this was best at ~ 45-50F to start; beyond 55F, and the wine seemed groggy. OK, so what was there, after getting it to the ideal time/temp? think GC Burgundy. A good one. Which says it all, I believe. Now and the next 5+ years. highly recommended
Served non-blind, at Intro, Chicago (they totally nailed the food and service, highest marks!)
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8/5/2016 - galewskj wrote: flawed
Non-Blind Very Nice Reds (St. Genevieve): Oxidized. Drank next to the 1995 cuvee W, which was a stunner. This wine was considerably darker. in color. Both of the corks disintegrated.
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7/30/2016 - rocknroller wrote: 93 Points
Annual Wine Group Summer Event - BBQ Brisket at Siggy's (Siggy & Jenny's Place, Mpls, MN): Light-medium gold color - quite youthful looking. Drank 1 glass over 20 minutes. It was great to have this again. I've got several bottles that I have been sitting on. This was showing just great. Really a nice depth, full bodied, round on the palate, but not oaky or too fruity. Lemon, lemon curd, fresh and nice minerals. Very much like when I had before, but I think even better 18 months later.
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5/24/2016 - Mlermontov wrote: 93 Points
Kebobing Around: Vincent Edition.: crazy stuff. funky tropical notes mixing with leather? mid is ripe with sweet pineapple banana and also a nutty note. mango and orange zest. finish has a hint of sweet fruit and mineral. about as unusual as it gets and quite delicious!
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5/19/2016 - Nanda wrote: 87 Points
20+ Year Old Nebbiolo Dinner (Osteria Langhe): Nose comes across in an oxidative style with waxy fruit and drying melons. In the mouth it's less oxidative with round, ripe, tropical fruit. Low-ish acid so it starts to feel heavy on the backend. Nice spice component.
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5/19/2016 - acyso wrote: 85 Points
In which 20+ year old Nebbiolos were consumed (Chicago, IL): This is chardonnay of a much bigger and opulent style. Heavier and rich on the palate, with a bit of cloying sweetness, though at the same time, there seems to be paradoxically quite a lot of acidity. Very spicy, there's almost something slightly gewurztraminer-like to this wine. The finish is a touch alcoholic. Certainly not my preferred style of chardonnay, but not a bad example of a large-scaled one either.
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11/26/2015 - Mtpisgah Likes this wine:
Fabulous wine. With the age it tastes more like a Riesling than a Chardonnay. Very enjoyable.
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11/26/2015 - kanab ram Likes this wine:
Brought to dinner with guests. This was the crowd favorite in the company of many great bottles.
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11/4/2015 - James Kim wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 1.5 h. Golden color. A-slightly oxidized aromas of nuts, apples, unripe peaches, flowers, honeysuckle. P- Goldn delicious apples, just ripe, abit of honey, minerals, nice acids. F- Beautiful seamless. Nuts, fruits, minerals. Long finish. 13.8%
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10/18/2015 - andtheodor wrote: 87 Points
Nuts, toast, bitter acrid oak, lemon creme, banana. Mature, but reasonably fresh and not overtly oxidized. Lacks the harmony of a very good wine.
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9/26/2015 - prism wrote: 94 Points
Again, a great bottle, served not too cold. Banana, papaya, mango; no citrus. Fascinating wine, going strong.
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9/21/2015 - HandmadeHomemade Likes this wine: 92 Points
Interesting style, the wine looks oxidized and I am expecting the consequential flavors, but instead I am hit with an array of citrus, pulpy tropical fruits, and acid (as well as some oxidative notes). The wine has a full weight on the palate and a finish that just goes on and on. Kalin never ceases to impress.
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8/30/2015 - scott w Does not like this wine: 81 Points
This bottle was terrible, heavy with lots of stewed fruit. A lot going on but too many things I don't care for.
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8/29/2015 - petitblanc wrote:
Madison Offline 2015; 8/27/2015-8/29/2015: My second time tasting this wine, again an interesting experience although I think my senile palate just doesn't get this. Notes of mint, motor oil, VA, just not in my kitchen when it comes to Chardonnay. Not scored. 13.8% abv
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8/29/2015 - GalvezGuy Likes this wine: 94 Points
Throwndown in Madtown; 8/27/2015-8/29/2015 (Madison, WI): Best bottle and of course, my last. Nose of spice, toffee, meyer lemon, slate, green apple, and orange zest. On the palate, crisp apple, lemon zest, tangerine, toffee, and hints of spicy oak. Long finish with lots of acidic kick. Really held its own with some great wines.
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8/28/2015 - WST Likes this wine:
I liked it, MB didn't. Too big for her, with some buttery oak. Nice combination of orchard, citrus and tropical notes; it looks and tastes evolved yet much younger than its years, still fresh with crisp tangy cut.
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8/19/2015 - eluebchow wrote: 90 Points
Fairly consistent with last time I tried this; Some creamy, buttery notes on the nose lead to a firm, full-bodied palate with plenty of balancing acidity; Would be fascinated to try this with more age
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8/11/2015 - Bryan004 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Really different than last bottle but this one got a lot more air. Last one was very tight and slightly bitter. This was a different Chardonnay with a couple hours of air. Hard to believe for a 20 year old Napa Chard. The fruit really showed on this one, still nice acid, not sweet or cloying...Drink with air or hold
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8/1/2015 - SMZ wrote: 94 Points
Still seems young, cork was starting to deteriorate though
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7/17/2015 - GalvezGuy Likes this wine: 93 Points
Nose of spice, toffee, meyer lemon, and orange zest. On the palate, crisp apple, lemon zest, tangerine, toffee, and hints of spicy oak. Long finish with lots of acidic kick. Last bottle but I think it will hold hear for a while longer. Drink within 2-3 years.
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7/16/2015 - Bryan004 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Needed more than it received
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7/15/2015 - Allagashme Likes this wine: 93 Points
big and rich chard with plenty of viscosity & mouth. Fruit is muted (afterall, 20 yr old wine). 93 pts? Perhaps I'm generous but I do enjoy this profile and wow, it's stood up really well.
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7/10/2015 - winchester-xi Does not like this wine:
While there's some fruit in amongst the oxidative notes, the two together aren't enough to balance the palate dominating vanillin.
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6/27/2015 - Sennma wrote: 88 Points
HDH Auction - first time with this producer. Pale color with a watery rim, some wood on the nose. Buttered popcorn on the mid-palate. Clean finish in that this is the current release from the winery. 13.8% abv.
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6/27/2015 - acyso wrote: 90 Points
HDH auction tasting at Tru (Chicago, IL): Interesting nose with lots of ripe fruit and spice. Definitely this is one of those riper chardonnays. Thankfully there isn't oak though, and this makes it a lot more enjoyable. There's a potent popcorn note on the palate that reminds me a lot of Coche, but this is definitely a lot sweeter than the chardonnays I'm accustomed to. An eye-opening California chardonnay.
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6/27/2015 - tooch wrote: 92 Points
HDH Auction (Tru - Chicago, IL): A typical Kalin Chard. Clean, pure fruit with nice popcorn aromas. The palate was beautiful. A bit sweet, but nicely balanced and elegant.
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6/24/2015 - chablis28 wrote: 92 Points
Crystal clear (not remotely cloudy) darker gold color with some sediment on bottom of glass. Clean floral nose. PnP in white Burg Riedel glass. Although pitched as Grand Cru Burgundy like, by my retailer, I don't think anyone who drinks much white Burgundy would mistake this for white Burgundy. In remarkably good condition for a 20yr old wine ...from anywhere. Signature CA heavier body and lower acid but still a very pleasurable Chardonnay. Lets just be honest, White Burgundy, this isn't and that's not a slight. Reminds me more of a Kistler Vinehill for a 3rd of the price. Plenty of depth, power and elegance. Not a trace of premox but I don't see this improving either. Dominant flavors are caramel and butter along with a hint of orange zest and minerality. Oak is well integrated but still there. Terrific value for $30. I bought one and satisfied with that. If, I had more I'd drink them in next year or three tops. I'd rate this a little higher if had more lift and felt less weighty. Paid $30 and 100% worth that plus.
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6/21/2015 - christyler wrote: flawed
Served blind in a Puligny flight. Everyone thought it was premoxed. Actually just oxidized, I guess.
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6/20/2015 - eluebchow wrote: 92 Points
In a great place right now; This has layers of tropical fruits, citrus and minerals, although the palate is not too sweet or oaky; There's a nice thread of acidity coarsing through the finish, and despite being 20 years old, this still has plenty of life left
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6/7/2015 - toontune wrote: 89 Points
This bottle didn't impress. Powerful and rich but a bit flabby and lacking acidity.
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6/2/2015 - prism wrote: 94 Points
Stellar, if unique, Chardonnay. Intense yellow in the glass. Not oxidized in the least. Medium body. Rich, yet light on its feet. A swirl of tropical and stone fruit flavors with no discernible oak or butter. Delicious.
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5/22/2015 - kanab ram Likes this wine:
Wonderful. Everyone's favorite at the dining table.
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5/18/2015 - GalvezGuy Likes this wine: 94 Points
That is more like it! Nose of lemon curd, toffee, meyer lemon, and orange zest. On the palate, crisp and clean with great green apple, lemon zest, tangerine, toffee, and hints of spicy oak. Long finish with lots of zing. Best bottle of the lot so far. Drink now, I don't see any improvement from here, but my guess is that these will hold at this level a while longer, provided they have a good closure.
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5/16/2015 - Mrbuzz Likes this wine: 94 Points
Mike Grammer comes to town (Galletto Ristorante, Modesto Ca.): Another killer Kalin…fresh as can be! Clean and bright fruit…nice cream and oil feel…totally Burgundy here, with just the lightest hint of aged ox…but really fresh. Love the chalky spice, banana wax, savory crushed stones….well balanced and fun to drink.
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4/16/2015 - Cote d'Or wrote:
PopnPour, tasted over 2 hrs, cork disintegrated
-translucent rich med gold
-butterscotch oak
-med- acidity, viscous but not heavy, considerable butterscotch and oak on long finish though well-balanced and not tropical or sweet
-minimal oxidation leaves it quite fresh with a nice mouthfeel, a bit oakier than I prefer, although it's 20 years old it may actually improve with additional bottle age
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4/9/2015 - andtheodor wrote: flawed
Deeply golden with an apple juice, custard, vanilla, very oaky nose with quite a bit of sherry tones. Yowza! Heavy vanilla bean, butterscotch, acrid oak palate with some oak sap and headache on the finish. Presumably not a good bottle.
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4/3/2015 - Allagashme Likes this wine: 93 Points
I keep enjoying the viscous, honey'd/butterscotchy flavors. Was it an 'oaky' Calif product when built? Sure. Has it evolved into a rich dessert'ish wine? Yup.
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3/27/2015 - Allagashme Likes this wine: 93 Points
For a 20 year old chard, it had loads of fruit still but had clearly matured into the "liquid butterscotch/honey color and tastes" category. Bordered on dessert wine it was sweet and viscous.
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3/20/2015 - GalvezGuy Likes this wine: 91 Points
Considerable trouble getting the cork out cleanly. Deep golden color, nose of citrus peel, flint, and toffee. On the palate subdued with lemon curd, wet rock, and toffee. Crisp acidity finishes this off very well. Felt tired compared to previous bottles.
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3/14/2015 - Michael T. Zoppo wrote:
The color was deep golden, and the nose was lemony with a hint of mustiness suggestive of a 20 year old wine. On the palate it was lemon oil, honeysuckle, and caramelized orange. The finish was long and had a hint of the mustiness that came through on the nose. Most surprising was how much acidity remained on the palate given the age of the wine. I don't see potential for further improvement.
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3/14/2015 - Doc90 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Tasted blind. Deep gold colored. Enticing nose of vanilla wafers, butterscotch, peaches, pineapple, sea breeze, and beach scents. Luscious body, successful oak integration, tropical flowers, very nice acidity. Early Colorado peach palate. Floral, breezy finish with undertones of oysters on the half shell that carries on for a long time. This is a white wine with a lot to say. This did show signs of oxidation, but it was complex and bursting with flavor so I didn't care.
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3/7/2015 - scott w Likes this wine: 92 Points
Fantastic bottle IMHO, bright tropical nose, cork was soaked through, creamy light lemon oil tropical fruit peach orange still had a light silky texture with a bit of oak that imo added to the complexity. Delicious 20 year old cali chard wtf.
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2/26/2015 - John Dunlap Likes this wine: 89 Points
Severed blind at jerreylubowski's 1995 tasting. Nose and palate had a pine-like element that made me think it was Retsina-ish and perhaps Greek in origin. Then, I thought it was a older Bordeaux blanc, which can have some unusual flavors. Humbled again by these older wines! OK, overall a nice wine and would drink it again. Should also learn more about this producer.
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2/26/2015 - jeffreylubowski Likes this wine: 89 Points
Served at my 1995 single blind tasting. I was the only sighted person. I thought this was a good wine, at $35. It's light color is immediately a nice sign, nice golden, not gloopy and nasty. The acid is still there, not a whole lot of nose, some residual sugar. You know it's chard, but you can't place it. This is a gem for CA, and we should be proud, and the only drawback is the corks always seem f----ed up on these and there may be some bottle variation. But Kalin is awesome.
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2/11/2015 - JimmyGillingham wrote: 92 Points
I decided to open this in anticipation of a get together over BBQ. I really like the fact that I can get an approximately 20 year old wine on release from Kalin for a reasonable price.
Opening the wine was a bit of an issue. I would say that the wine had worked its way 80% up the cork, which broke about 2/3 of the way down and sort of crumbled from there. Decanted the wine through a filter and poured back into the bottle. Although I was a bit worried about whether the wine was affected, those concerns drifted away as soon as I could smell the wine jumping out of the decanter.
The wine was golden yellow in color. There were no oxidized notes, which was refreshing given its age. On the nose, there were some floral notes, but butterscotch and pineapple that others have noted. Although "sweet" is more of a description of taste, I noted that the nose was sweet. However, the sweetness seemed to decrease as the wine sat in the glass.
The palate was a little bit heavier. I think that is due to the fact that I did not pick up much acid on the wine. There were some oaky notes but nothing over the top or distracting. I also picked up more minerality, stone fruits and lemon.
Overall, for the price, this is a great wine.
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2/7/2015 - tcarter Likes this wine: 95 Points
Spectacular
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1/16/2015 - grafstrb wrote:
-- popped and poured --
-- tasted a couple glasses non-blind over a couple hours --
Mature color and Nose. Nice and relaxed. Buttery, but in an aged fruit kind of way rather than in a super oaky kind of way; medium acidity; alcohol not noticeable; consistent with bottle of a few months ago; drink now.
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1/10/2015 - rocknroller wrote: 92 Points
Last Minute Get Together (Kevin and Vicki's): Deep gold color - very pretty. PNP, drank 2 glasses over an hour. As others have noted this evolves in the glass and becomes more complex and focused as it approaches room temperature. Truly a pleasurable experience. The nose has lemon, butterscotch, pineapple, and minerals with a surprising freshness. The palate is rich and full bodied, good power and depth, i still find noticeable but proper oak present, lemon, lemon oil, butterscotch, and stony minerality. This finishes fresh, full and long. A very cerebral wine that looks to have a number of years ahead of it yet. 92+pts.
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12/28/2014 - Bruce 1er Likes this wine: 94 Points
Outstanding. In excellent shape, no doubt due to its good acid structure (pale yellow, and not showing its age visually). Balanced fruit (citrus), vanilla, butter and oak flavors meld very nicely. Has a spicy aspect to it. Really delicious, with plenty of life left.
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12/13/2014 - Drankard wrote: 91 Points
The Cuvée LV hails from a slightly warmer section of the Long Vineyard in Dry Creek, aged in 50% new French oak for 12 months, and was bottled without filtration. Shiny, golden yellow in color with absolutely no sweet flavors or oxidized notes. On the palate the wine is full, rich and moderately complex, with hints of lemon oil and good length and grip on the focused and racy finish. . I did not find this to be oaky but girded with good energy and acidity. The cork came out clean but was very fragile and 80% soaked. Not to be compare to Grand Cru Burgundy but certainly represents a very good aged Chardonnay from California A big minus is that the alcohol does come through on the finish. Drink now.
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11/27/2014 - rhanke wrote:
great, cork did fall apart
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11/27/2014 - DSP wrote:
Cork came out cleanly, though it took some care. Lots of vanilla, coconut, toasty oak flavors with a bit of heat. Lively lemony fruit as well. Tastes surprisingly young.
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11/24/2014 - wgmccallum Likes this wine: 95 Points
Deep yellow. Shy evolving nose of sea air, citrus rind, honey, something buttery and toasty. Liquid silk on the palate, subtle acids, rich yellow fruit on the back palate rising into an intense lingering finish with a lively bite to it. Complex but coherent, mercurial but soothing. Worth careful attention because it does not reveal all its qualities at once. 55+13+18+9.
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11/8/2014 - grafstrb wrote:
-- popped and poured --
-- tasted a couple pours non-blind over approx. 1.5 hours --
Rich golden yellow color. Clean butterscotch and ripe pineapple on the Nose, along with a hint of some kind of mint. On the palate this was initially quite oaky, but the oak did recede somewhat with time in the glass. 13.8% alc. did poke through a bit. Richly flavored, and definitely tastes aged. Not as much acidity as I was hoping for based on others' reviews, but the acid level was adequate for a 19 yo CA Chardonnay. The cork was soaked approx. 80% - 85% of the way to the top, and it did break/crumble when the waiter went to pull it out, so perhaps that should be taken into consideration (although I'm not convinced it necessarily should be). Overall, very good. Drink now.
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11/6/2014 - joe d Likes this wine:
Bought 3 of these. Bottle one seemed over the hill, still drinkable but not a wine I would pursue. Now this bottle tonight is something else entirely. Deep gold color similar to bottle one, but much more lively on the palate. Mature nutty and deep fruit flavors but plenty of cut. This tastes like top-notch mature white burgundy to me. Surely the best California Chardonnay I've ever had. Both had crumbly corks so pull out your Durand if you have one. We had to use cheesecloth.
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10/12/2014 - mks83 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Cali chardonnay that tastes surprisingly fresh for its age, while attained high degree of roundness. I expected something more special from review of others. 90-91.
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10/7/2014 - toontune wrote: 92 Points
Crisp
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10/5/2014 - fournet Likes this wine: 92 Points
Improved from 18 months ago. In a good spot.
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10/2/2014 - GalvezGuy Likes this wine: 93 Points
Popped and poured. Nose of meyer lemon, tangerine, citrus peel, slate, flint, and salted caramel On the palate rich and creamy with bright citrus, tangerine, lemon curd, wet rock, and toffee. Crisp acidity finishes this off very well. Would love to serve this blind in a White Burg lineup. Drink or continue to hold, no hurry.
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9/14/2014 - SMZ wrote: 96 Points
Maybe the greatest Chardonnay I've ever had. The color was a brilliant gold. Perfect fruit and flavor. This is a 1995 wine...are you kidding me? It tasted as fresh as a 2012 Chard.
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8/20/2014 - ozziewine Likes this wine: 92 Points
I believe Robert Parker said these folks march to the beat of a different Universe! Gotta admire their style, releasing wines so long after the vintage. This Cuvee LV was creamy and remarkably fresh for being 19 years (19 years!) old. It was elegant with caramel and vanilla notes. I am not a fan of most mature wines (but I do appreciate them!) because of their lack of fruit (you can't have it all right?).
This is a terrific wine. For a bottle like this, priced in the mid 30's, you absolutely must try it. It's good to support a winery like this.
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8/15/2014 - Buckwheet wrote: 93 Points
Great nose of Meyer lemons, apricots and honey jumped out of the glass. Definitely not a subtle wine. Tastes like a fully mature Premier Cru white Burgundy. Other reviewers call this very-Cali in style. Not sure I agree as great white Burgundies often become more fruit-forward as they reach maturity. Bottom line: For the money, this is an incredible wine. If I paid $75-100/btl, I would have been happy with it. At $35-40/btl., this is a no-brainer. First time to try so cannot comment on ability to age further. I recommend drinking now as it is drinking perfectly now.
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8/7/2014 - emzee.mc wrote: 93 Points
This was purchased at Batard in a dinner with mom, Pearl, Charmaine and Cassie. The wine opens with a crumbled cork and clocks at 13.8% abv. It pours with thick legs and a beautiful golden hue which evidences the age of the juice. On the nose, the wine is sweet with strong notes of cream, crème brûlée, peaches and honey. It is definitely more sweet than fruity, probably due to the higher amount of malolactic fermentation. On the palate, the wine is very unctuous with great structure. Alcohol is apparent. There are notes of licorice, wheatgrass, honey and provençal herbs. Finish is quite long and buttery and the alcohol still lingers in the mouth. A bit better balance would be better. Nevertheless, an incredible and opulent wine.
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7/16/2014 - GalvezGuy Likes this wine: 94 Points
Popped and poured. Notes are from later when wine was close to room temperature. This is definitely better after it gets above cellar temps. Nose of meyer lemon, tangerine, citrus peel, slate, flint, and butterscotch. On the palate rich and creamy with bright citrus, tangerine, lemon curd, wet rock, and salted caramel. Great finish with superb balance. Best bottle of the lot so far.
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6/15/2014 - wgmccallum Likes this wine: 93 Points
I drank this one warmer than the previous day. The nose is much more prominent and the aromas are more complex. In addition to the mineral and fruit from yesterday, there is something creamy and dusty about the nose, with some notes of orange rind.
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6/14/2014 - wgmccallum Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep golden yellow. Light nose with mineral and stone fruit aromas. Full body on the palate with penetrating fruit, crisp acid and a very long high finish.
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3/6/2014 - tooch wrote: 90 Points
Dinner at Browntrout (Browntrout - Chicago, IL): Served blind. Thought this was a 1997 white burgundy, maybe a Corton Charlemagne. Had a nose of lemons a touch of butterscotch and some flinty notes. The palate was rich with some oaky notes coming through, but neither the heft or oak were distracting to me. Acidity was pretty mellow on the finish, I think the Kalin wines are always a treat, and it's great to see how nicely the '95 LV Chard is progressing.
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3/2/2014 - ecola Likes this wine: 94 Points
Bright apple, citrus, creamy vanilla. Shockingly young with wonderful acidity. Subtle butterscotch and caramel on the very long finish.
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2/9/2014 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
Medium straw gold, bright and clear. The aromas took some time to develop, and there's no doubt this has a narrow temperature band of pleasure and openness, and the 55F I originally served this at proved too cool. After swirling and 15 minutes in the glass, this was happy to offer up notes of warm cashews, ripe apple, pear juice and crushed stones. The entry is poised, with more weight and viscosity than I was expecting, but thanks to very fresh, abundant acidity, nothing was flabby or tiresome. Medium+ body with deep, though well delineated layers of orchard and stone fruits, some grilled pineapple and citrus and almond tang on the lingering finish. Very clean, polished, with an appealing personality - even though it does require some patience, the peak at the 90 minute mark was highly rewarding. 13,8% abv, drink thru 2030. Much better as it warmed. PnP, that could have benefited from one hour in decanter. recommended
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12/11/2013 - AllRed wrote: 91 Points
Opens with notes of lemon chiffon, marzipan and pear. On the palate there is power and heft, yet it remains elegant and bright. Flavors of pear and citrus with a subtle honeyed apple quality on the finish. Actually paired quite nicely with porcini-dusted filet tips with (truffled?) foie gras sauce.
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10/5/2013 - fclarity wrote: 90 Points
From a nice looking bottle, this wine had a yellow center and clear rims. The medium intensity nose displayed apple, citrus and lychee nut.
In the mouth, this wine had nice richness and good length. Quite impressive and young tasting for CA Chard almost 20 years old.
I don't see any reason to wait but give it at least an hour of air before drinking.
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8/10/2013 - UpfromtheCellar wrote: 87 Points
Not my style. Big, uber rich, almost unctuous, Cali-char all the way, but slightly oxidized, yeasty, savory, a tad heavy. Lots of vanilla and cream. Its definitely not for everyone but everyone except me seemed to really like this wine (the bottle didn't last long.....).
I totally agree with Fournet (see review from August 2, 2013), this wine could use more acid to keep it lively on the mid palate and lift the finish off the floor. A wine like that never scores above an 89 in my system. He/she gave it a 90. I think that's too high and adjusted it accordingly.....
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8/3/2013 - William Kelley Likes this wine: 96 Points
This was my last bottle out of a full case, and it may well have been the best. Terry Leighton's wines are simply amazing, and this Chardonnay is no exception. Reminiscent of an old-style white Burgundy (think Vincent Leflaive-era Domaine Leflaive), this wine's complex, refined bouquet of orchard fruit, herbs and wet rocks is to die for! Expansive and authoritative on the palate, this cuvée certainly seems to have the stuffing to age and develop even further! Barrel fermented and aged in 50% new oak, this is one of Northern California's most compelling Chardonnays.
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8/2/2013 - fournet wrote: 90 Points
This is a big Chard and obviously Cali in nature, not Burg. While I enjoyed it overall, there is stuff lacking. Very rich in style, like a Newton (cake icing). Fully bodied. Weakest aspect is the finish which is not sharp enough and slightly dominated by alcohol. Overall, I wish the alcohol were lower and the acidity were higher.
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7/26/2013 - fclarity wrote: 90 Points
From a pristine looking bottle, this wine had a light yellow center and clear rims. The low+ intensity nose showed lemons & macaroons.
This wine tasted odd and overly acidic for the first hour or so. Then developed to show a nice round texture with firm acidity and very good length. While not the most complex wine ever, it was in amazing condition for an 18 year old Chard.
Another interesting wine from this under-appreciated producer. While I doubt this will get any better, it looked and tasted so young it is hard to say for sure. Enjoy with after a couple hours of air.
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7/9/2013 - David Paris (dbp) wrote: 91 Points
The cork was completely soaked through on this one, except for the top 10% or so... totally saturated. However, nothing seemed out of whack, though I didn't get quite the level of intensity noted by some others nor was present in the Semillon (but that's expected). The nose is lighter than the Semillon, but still harmonious and thick, lush, and creamy, with some lemon. Comparatively quiet, nearly delicate as well. Call it a white rose petal, no pollen. There's also a nice white peach aroma. Soft and round on the palate, and not as complex as their Semillon. A little chunky texture on the palate, with intense minerality and lemon flavor. Pretty darn pleasing, as the finish dials up with lots of acid and intensity. I'm hesitant to say an oxidative quality, because it's not really showing all those typical sherried flavors, it does offer a unique creaminess. 91+
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7/6/2013 - ecola Likes this wine: 92 Points
Creme brûlée and caramel flavors. Baked pear with supporting acidity on the mid palate. Long lingering finish. Not for everyone but I really like this.
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6/16/2013 - kanab ram Likes this wine:
Cork was tight with no visible seepage and came out clean. Nose of creosote and like that of an aged Sauterne with hints of lemon chiffon. Creamy texture with a decent amount of acidity. Quite complex.
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4/27/2013 - theronware wrote: flawed
Cork crumbled to pieces in the center when corkscrew was inserted. Removed remaining rim piece with an Ah So. On the nose, lovely creme brulee, lemon and caramel and some green herbs, but on the palate the wine was so hot that the flavors were quickly overwhelmed. Wine seemed to get hotter the longer it was open and quite quickly this heat crowded out all other flavors.
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4/14/2013 - mid_palate Likes this wine: 90 Points
Not as good as the 1995 LD I recently had from these guys, although it's hard to say how much of that is bottle variation. Finish was a bit too oaky for my taste, but otherwise great mature Chard.
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12/31/2012 - ecola Likes this wine: 93 Points
Beautiful aromas and flavors of fresh green apple, pear, caramel, and vanilla bean. All of these are seamlessly integrated. Long crisp finish with stunningly sharp acidity. I am just amazed by these Kalin wines each time I have one.
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