Cuvée W Livermore Valley Chardonnay

What?! 23 year old Cali chard! Only released 2-3 years ago as that’s when they feel like it’s ready. Incredibly amber colored. Honeyed and textured. Even a bit of tropical fruit is still retained here...and acidity! Oxidized, as intended. This is stupid good for its age and the price.

I appreciate the intention these wines are created and aged with. This bottling was rich, textural and funky, deeply driven by the creamed corn of diacetyl.

I want all aged whites to taste like this. The freshness was unbelievable and the marzipan I expected was barely there. So much life ahead of it!

Wow

Livermore meets Jura.

This is Chardonnay. And an awesome one. Lots of age and a bit madeirized, but in a great way. Goes fantastically with Alpine cow cheese. Truly a favorite.

Amazing for 21 years old!

Not a fan upon first opening but it's growing on me.

Oxidized Apple, canned peach, yellow flowers, vanilla bean all on the nose. On the pallet: high acid attacks the pallet, then the fruit comes in, Apple, peach, key lime, marshmallow, and vanilla bean. You can feel a slight burn of alcohol, and the acidity rips the tongue. A long finish, powerful, rich wine. An interesting story and an interesting wine (flower day).

The 1995 did not show well at first, but after about 40 minutes in the glass the swampy, malo funk blossomed into caramel tinged, lemon curd with a whiff if wild mushroom. Supple on the palate with bright acidity.