2001 Failla Chardonnay Keefer Ranch- USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (4/1/2019)
Picked up a few bottles from a Keefer estate sale. Grower provenance.
Cork was saturated but not leaking. Pop and pour, nose of caramel apple and white flowers. Creamy oily palate with sweet pear, lychee and bitter grapefruit pith. The oak has integrated nicely leaving just a little spice. The acidity pulls it all together for a nice overall package that was a pleasant surprise and nowhere near done. Will let my remaining bottles drag out the drinking window four more years.
I bought them in December. One of the Keefers passed away and the cellar was being sold off at Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa. Tons of great deals were to be had.
Thanks for the note, Brian. Glad to hear this wine is holding up so well that you decided there’s no need to open the others soon. I like hearing stories about Cali chard longevities.